Knowledge, Models and Tools in Support of Advanced Distance Learning

摘要

This report describes research conducted by the University of Southern California Behavioral Technology Laboratory in developing iRides, an advanced system for delivering authored interactive graphical simulations and instructional vignettes. The system provides the ability to deliver simulation- based instruction as Java applications, Java applets, and Java Web Start applications. The latter two options make it possible for these authored interactive graphical simulations and training to be delivered over the Web or any similar network to support advanced distributed learning. A new authoring tool, iRides Author, supports development of any simulations and instruction that iRides can deliver. The applet version of iRides can be delivered as a SCORM-compliant shareable content object. Another tool for authoring iRides simulations and training, Rivets, is a fast C++ program that has been compiled for three Unix-type operating systems: Linux, Silicon Graphics IRIX, and Mac OS 10.3 or later with Xli. The flexible and open architecture of iRides makes it possible to employ this tool in collaboration with other advanced training system components, such as intelligent tutors.