Managing & re-using didactical expertise: The Didactical Object Model

The DIN Didactical Object Model extends the approaches of existing Educational Modeling Languages introducing specifications for contexts and experiences. In this paper, we show how the Didactical Object Model can be used for sharing didactical expertise. Educational Modeling Languages change the design paradigm from content orientation towards process-/ activity orientation. Especially in the community of teachers and didactical designers, this development has gained attention. However, reusing learning scenarios requires applying knowledge management concepts to this issue. To adequately reuse learning scenarios, information about context and experiences must become available. Furthermore, supporting human-oriented knowledge management instruments are needed to facilitate the exchange and reuse process. The DIN Didactical Object Model, developed by the German Standards Body (Deutsches Institut für Normung, DIN e.V.), provides specifications for this. Additionally, an integrative concept for knowledge sharing and reuse is presented: the solution integrates business, learning, and knowledge processes into a common architecture using the Didactical Object Model to exchange scenarios. The presented modeling language will enhance the use of Educational Modeling Languages towards knowledge-based exchange of learning scenarios and experience sharing.