An Automated Template Based Interactive Multimedia Solution for Handheld Devices in the Educational Field or Other Domains

The recent enormous increase in the availability of mobile devices such as phones, PDAs, webpads, tablet PCs etc. and with it the corresponding demand for interactive multimedia applications for these devices has brought marketing opportunities and technical challenges for companies producing content for current computer systems. Eurotalk Ltd. produces interactive language learning materials and other educational content for all ages. These materials are currently being used in more then 1500 schools in UK and are sold worldwide. The company's range of educational products covers more than a hundred languages, including rare languages like Chichewa, Khmer and Timbuku. The production of individual language CDs is based on a template approach. In other words the format and production pipeline from script to final CD generation is basically the same for all languages. The advantage of this template technique in development and production enables the company to create lessons on new languages completely automatically. This paper proposes a design and prototype implementation of a suite of output modules for the current system production engine which will produce lessons for handheld and browser enabled devices using stable Internet technologies such as XML, Apple Quicktime and Adobe Flash, and a player for the company's own proprietary lesson format. This new system enables the company to deploy educational material in remote areas, third world countries and standard classrooms, and such making the product available for a large user base. The current proposed system design and prototype implementation can be later used for producing content for other domains.