Metamodeling for Web-Based Teachware Management

In this paper we propose a meta-modeling approach to adaptive hypermedia-based electronic teachware that focusses on document structures and navigational services and which is also applicable to knowledge management. An abstract meta-model is presented which is suitable to describe heterogeneous and semi-structured course material from different domains of application on the web. As an instance of this generic framework we derive a sample model for the domain of teaching computer science. Content identification and querying at the meta-level and the use of metadata enhance navigation and facilitate adaptive presentation and navigation as well as reuse and adaption of existing material to new audiences. Each model can serve as a well defined basis for a corresponding XML based learning material markup language (LM2L) representation which can be restructured and rendered by XSL style sheets for different audiences, layouts, or platforms in web based teaching.