Virtual Apparatus Framework Approach to Constructing Adaptive Tutorials

We present the Adaptive eLearning Platform (AeLP) – a platform solution for creating rich, interactive, and highly visual, adaptive eLearning activities designed using Virtual Apparatus Framework (VAF). We piloted the AeLP during 2006 at the School of Physics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where four adaptive tutorials were embedded into the first year physics syllabus and were completed by over 300 students. The fundamental design decisions we employed in developing the AeLP had to meet the following requirements: (1) to promote reusability of learning objects by adhering to strict separation of content and presentation; (2) to allow for rapid prototyping and deployment of eLearning activities across many domains; (3) to deliver adaptive feedback and adaptive sequencing of activities based on the student’s model. We chose VAF as the design and development methodology to meet those requirements in developing eLearning modules for first year physics laboratories. This paper gives an overview of AeLP focusing on VAF development processes and capabilities, and describes its deployment in the University of New South Wales. Our initial results working with the AeLP during 2006 indicated that the entire content development cycle can take less than one week to create a rich, interactive and adaptive tutorial using VAF. We also found reusability to be very straight forward. We believe that VAF is a potential paradigm shift in eLearning material development methodologies.