Table-based representations can be used to offer easy-to-use, flexible, and adaptable learning scenario editors

This article presents an innovative approach to the design of learning scenario editors for teachers as not-specifically-trained users. The approach features simplicity, flexibility, and easy adaptation to local contexts and needs. It is based on the governing design decision to provide a basic representation device known to be easy to use and adopted by teachers in standard practice: a table, similar to that found in office suites. The table is put in structural correspondence with a pivotal model (a tree), which is used to implement services requiring complex mechanisms that can be found in state-of-the-art systems, for example instantiation support or operationalization. We show how this approach makes it possible to design simple, flexible editors that offer complex services as add-ons and are easy to adapt to users' local needs, practices, and/or technical ecosystems. A table allows representing a large range of learning scenarios.A table-based editor appears to be flexible and easy to use for teachers.A tree pivotal model makes it easy to adapt the editor to local needs.A tree pivotal model allows offering complex services as add-ons.