E-Learning Proxy System for LMS Interoperability and Content Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional learning management systems (LMSs) are closed, one-way systems that require expensive and expert IT involvement for content access, lack interactivity, and restrict authors and instructors from updating or controlling content once it's stored on central servers, with interoperability issues between SCORM and AICC standards leading to inconsistent content delivery.
Innovation Solution
The OPENSESAME system abstracts courseware from LMS via a proxy SCORM package (SESAMESEED), providing access control, updating, and relieving LMS of hosting burdens, using a CDN for content delivery and employing a SESAMESEED proxy to ensure compatibility and interaction, allowing authors to update content centrally and learners to interact with course materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is stored on central LMS servers, then content delivery is controlled and secure, but access requires expensive expert IT involvement and customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the LMS server and content delivery that automates authentication and content access. This intermediary handles the complex IT operations automatically, eliminating the need for expert IT involvement while maintaining secure controlled delivery. The system acts as a mediator that translates user requests into proper authentication and content retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service content access by automating the authentication and content delivery process. Users can access content without requiring expert IT assistance, as the system automatically handles verification, authorization, and content provision. This self-service capability maintains security and control while dramatically improving ease of access.
2Reliability
If content is stored in centralized LMS, then content delivery is controlled, but authors and instructors cannot update or control content after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic content management where content can transition between centralized storage and distributed delivery. Authors and instructors retain the ability to update content in the centralized repository, and these updates are automatically propagated to distributed content delivery points. This dynamic system maintains centralized control for security while enabling continuous content updates and adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring content update mechanisms and authorization protocols before content deployment. Authors and instructors are granted predetermined update capabilities that are automatically enforced by the system, allowing them to modify content after deployment without requiring complex reconfiguration or losing centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SCORM or AICC standards are used for interoperability, then content can be delivered across different LMS systems, but inconsistencies and programming errors still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content interface layer that works across multiple LMS systems and standards (SCORM, AICC, and others). This universal layer translates between different standards and protocols, ensuring consistent content delivery across diverse LMS environments. The system performs multiple functions by supporting various standards simultaneously while maintaining delivery consistency through a unified underlying mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual updates are performed on LMS content, then content can be revised, but the process is costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of content updating with an automated electronic system. Content updates are performed through automated processes that handle file management, version control, authentication, and distribution across the network. This substitution eliminates the need for manual IT intervention, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining full content update capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described that provide nearly universal and simple access by learners everywhere to content developed by authors everywhere to produce an e-learning marketplace. Content is stored and updated centrally and current content is distributed to local content servers via a content delivery network (CDN). A proprietary server enables interfaces and a loadable seed to a user server connected with one or more learning management systems (LMSs). Training managers subscribe to content, the author obtains payment, and the learners ‘attend’ one or more courses, the completion status and grade of which are reportable to the one or more LMSs. Security is provided as is interaction among various users of the invented e-learning system and method.