Integration of multimodal multimedia devices and hardcopy textbooks for supporting pervasive learning

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a specification toward a standard for asynchronous distance learning. It was widely used in the development of authoring tools, learning management systems (LMSs), and repositories for distance learning contents. Most learning-related systems were based on multimedia and Web technologies on PCs. We aim to build a pervasive learning environment, which allows learners to read SCORM-compliant textbooks with integration of the multimodal multimedia devices. We called it "Hard SCORM". A pen-like OCR (Optical Character Reader) device (called Hyper Pen) is used as an input mechanism. A computer, a PDA, or a cellular phone can be integrated with the SCORM-compliant textbooks for presenting the multimedia learning resources. With respect to the learner behavior while reading hardcopy textbooks, we proposed a Hard SCORM Machine for supervising the proper interactions performed. Therefore, users can read hardcopy textbooks in a traditional manner while behavior of reading is compatible with the SCORM specification.