E-learning as a Web Service

E-learning platforms and their functionalities resemble one another to a large extend. Recent standardization efforts in e-learning concentrate on the reuse of learning material, but not on the reuse of application functionalities. Our LearnServe system builds on the assumption that a typical learning system is a collection of activities or processes that interact with learners and suitably chosen content, the latter in the form of learning objects. This enables us to subdivide the main functionality of an e-learning system into a number of stand-alone applications, which can then be realized individually or in groups as Web services. The implementation of these services enables a reuse of functionalities of an e-learning platform. The LearnServe system is based on common standards, both in the area of e-learning and in the area of Web services. The realization in a distributed fashion leads to a number of challenges including the maintenance of content and services, but has, on the other hand, potentials like direct integration of e-learning services into business applications or the access of learning services by different devises if there is an appropriate client for that device.