COW, a Flexible Platform for the Enactment of Learning Scenarios

Abstract : Open and Distance Learning platforms are more than system delivering pedagogical ressources. They require mechanisms for the enactment and coordination of pedagogical modules and learning activities. A common solution to express learning paths in learning management systems (LMS) can be the use of Educational Modelling Languages (EML). The next step will be the enactment of these models. For that purpose, workflow management system can be used. These systems formerly reserved for highly structured procedures can be used in dynamic and reactive environments such as virtual campuses platforms, thanks to a enhanced flexibility in the execution of models and in the management of exceptions. In this article we shall present COW our flexible workflow engine dedicated to open and distant learning. We will compare EML and workflow approach and see how to pass from a pedagogical modelisation to a workflow modelisation. We shall see how it is possible to organize the pedagogical modules and the learning paths to answer the expectation within the framework of individual courses (lifelong learning orientation) or within the framework of group courses (closer to the traditional face to face learning).