October 2006 Volume 9 Number 4

Figure 6. Classical three-step learning/teaching strategy and associated didactic methods
Domain implementation
Figure 7. The didactic method metamodel
In this phase concrete reusable courseware entities (learning assets) for the models defined in the design phases
(content entities, didactic entities, software tools) are implemented and then kept in a repository for subsequent
use in the course engineering process. They serve as a starting kit for the courseware development in the course
engineering process.
Content implementation
Strictly speaking, what we defined in the design phase are learning atom types and module types. Atom types are
instantiated to one or more learning atoms: The content is developed in detail and perhaps with different foci
depending on the background of the learner and the intentions of the teacher, representations are chosen such as
powerpoint slides or pdf files, and both are combined into an executable unit in a form that can be reused in
different environments and situations (for an example, see Figure 8). The atoms are stored in a content
repository.
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