Integrating learning objects into an interactive simulator for computer systems

In the 21 century, learning is an important concern to most people. However, some e-learning applications contain complicated knowledge structure that may hinder reuses and sharing of knowledge. Previously, we developed a simulator to facilitate the understanding of advanced concepts related to computer systems through live animations. To encourage the sharing and reuses of knowledge, we propose to integrate learning objects and relevant technologies into our interactive simulator. By adopting the IEEE learning object metadata (LOM) standard, our simulator may easily exchange or reuse learning objects of relevant concepts with other e-learning systems. In this paper, we review the system design and consider how general or experienced users can benefit from using our LOM-based simulator in different ways. Lastly, we summarize our work and shed light on future directions.