exeLearning

Introduction

The eLearning XHTML editor (eXe) is an application that lets teachers create their own web-based instructional units. The units are compliant with international standards. Teachers and academics can design, develop and publish web-based learning and teaching materials.

Reasons to use this application:

• eXeLearning is very easy to learn and use -- there is no need to become proficient in HTML or complicated web-publishing applications.

• The instructional units designed within exeLearning are portable -- they can be deployed anywhere -- on a website, in any instructional management system, on a CD-ROM, or on an iPod for example.instru

• Instructional units are standards-compliant

• eXeLearning is an open-source application -- it is free and can be downloaded to computers running Windows, Apple or Linux.

This tutorial provides a basic understanding of eXe and its components.

For a thorough explanation of eXe and its more advanced features, please visit the eXe web site and reference its online user's manual at (http://www.wikieducator.org/Online_manual).

Once you download the application you can create as many web-based instructional units as you would like, and it's all FREE.

Installation

eXe can be installed on Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS X, and Linux systems. You can find the appropriate eXe copy on their web page at (http://exelearning.org/).

Windows Installation

Windows Installation

eXe is available in two different formats for Windows:

• The exe-install-xxx.exe file is an executable installer that installs exe files directly onto your PC hard drive in the standard way
  • Note: Because eXe stores some path names in its configuration file, it is recommended to always use the same installation directory for eXe (like `C:\Program Files\eXe\`) as you upgrade from one version to the next
• The exe-ready2run-xxx.exe file allows users to use eXe in situations where they do not have access to right for installation of software or when they do not wish to install a program. This file can be downloaded onto memory devices such as a memory stick or CD-ROM and be able to run directly from that device. The program simply expands its required files into the temporary directory and runs from there.

Downloading the file:

• Go to: http://exelearning.org/ to download the file.
• Click the Windows (installer) under the head Download eXe.
• Save the file onto your desktop.

Installing to a PC

1. Save the executable file from the eXe home page onto your desktop
2. Double click the eXe installer file. This will launch the eXe Setup Wizard. Click Next
3. The installer will install eXe into a folder called C:\Program Files\eXe\ . Click Next to accept this default location
4. The program will then be installed into the specified directory. Once it is finished installing, close the Setup Wizard

Mac OS X Installation

Mac OS X Installation

Installing eXe for Mac OS X is very simple. Just drag the downloaded application into your Application folder.

Downloading the file:

• Go to: http://exelearning.org/ to download the file.
• Click the Mac OS X(Universal binary, 10.3.9 or later) under the head Download eXe.
• Save the file onto your desktop.

Basics of the eXeLearning Application: Authoring Tab

The workspace in eXe is made up of two different areas: the authoring tab and the properties tab.

1. Authoring Tab

Left Sidebar area -- Outline & iDevices

Outline Area:

Create an outline of your instructional unit and organize the screens/pages for that lesson:

• click ADD PAGE at the top to add new screens/pages
• for each screen/page, choose an appropriate iDevice (page format) OR type anything you want by choosing the "FREE TEXT" iDevice.

iDevices Area :

(instructional devices) that are pre-formatted pages for typical instructional activities.
An iDevice (instructional device) is a reusable learning device such as a case study, reading activity, or multiple choice quiz questions.
A unit will typically contain a collection of idevices.

Basics of the eXeLearning Application: Properties Tab

2. Properties Tab

The properties tab allows you to:

• add a title, background image, author, etc. to your unit / package.
• define basic metadata and taxonomy -- assists in searching / finding content for particular topics
• choose options for the exporting of your unit

Creating a Basic eXe project

General Information

• It is a good idea to create a separate page for each activity you plan to include in your project

*note: it is possible to do multiple activities on one page, but it is not recommended

• Think about the content you want to add and have your information readily available
• Remember to choose a style from the dropdown menu

Step 1: Open eXe and add pages.

To add a page, make sure that your cursor is located on "Home" and select "Add page".

Place your cursor back on "Home" and select "add page" again. Continue to do this until you've added all of the pages you want.

To rename a page, double click on each "Topic", a new window will appear; type in the name of the page and select "OK"

The following is an example of an outline in eXe learning.

Step 2: Add an iDevice to each page

There are many iDevices that will be discussed in detail later. The most basic iDevice is Free Text. For a basic lesson, we will discuss Free Text, Objectives, and Quiz options.

Free Text

To add free text, place your cursor on the topic you would like to add content to, then select "Free Text" from the iDevice menu. A free text window will appear on the right.

This is the basic framework of any content put into the eXe learning project. The free text area basically has the capability of any word processors--you can modify the text in any way, add images, add media, and more. So, basically, you can add any content you want here.

Theimportant thing to remember is that if you are pasting from a Word document, you click the "Paste from Word" Icon and paste it this way. Otherwise, it may not appear appropriately when placed in a management system such as Moodle or D2L.

Select the green checkmark when finished.

Objectives

To add an objectives iDevice, place your cursor on the topic you would like to add content to, select "Objectives" from the iDevice menu, and a window that looks like the free text window will appear to the right.

The difference between objectives and free text is that a decorative box will appear around the objectives that varies depending upon the style of your project. It is always a good idea to include objectives in a lesson so students know what to expect.

Select the green checkmark when finished.

Quiz

To add quiz questions, place your cursor on the topic you would like to add content to, select the type of question you would like to add from the iDevice menu (i.e. MultiChoice).

A window will appear to the right that has the following options (typically):

Question (this is where you will type in your question--if you want to add more questions to a page, select "add another question")

Hint (you can add a hint if you want)

Option (this is where you will type in the answer for the question--to add additional "answers", select "add another option"--make sure the radio button next to the correct answer is selected.

Select the green checkmark when finished.

Step 3: Export your lesson to put into Moodle or D2L

The best way to do this is to export the project as a zip file. To do this: File > Export > Website > Zipfile

Make sure to put the file in a place where you can find it easily.

Moodle

• Login to your moodle course, turn editing on, and make sure you are in the appropriate topic or week
• Select "Link to a file or a website" from the "Add a Resource" dropdown menu
• Name the resource (i.e. Lesson 1)
• Select "Choose or Upload a File"
• Create a folder for your lesson by selecting "Make a folder" (you have to expand the file, so it is necessary to have a folder created)
• Make sure you are in the folder you created and select upload file
• Upload your zip file and select "unzip" from the right column, select "OK"
• You will see many files, scroll down until you find index, then select "choose" to the right of index
• Decide whether you would like the file to open in the same window or a new one, then select "save"

D2L

• Login to your D2L course, go to "Edit Course" > "Manage Files"
• Create a new folder by selecting the blue folder link in the upper right (again, you have to expand the file, so it is necessary to have a folder created)
• Make sure you are in the folder you created and select "upload" from the upper right corner
• Find and upload your eXe zip file
• Unzip the file by selecting the "unzip" icon to the right of the file name
• To link to this file, select the "content" tab, and "add a topic" (this will be your project, so put it in the appropriate area in your content)
• Select "Course File" ~ Add a title for your eXe project and select "Browse" to find your file
• Go to the folder you created earler and there should be another folder for your unzipped file, enter that folder
• Scroll down and select the radio button next to "index", then click "Select this file" and "Save"

Congratulations, You've finished your eXe project! Learn more about eXe in the Advanced sections!

Advanced eXe (iDevice Description)

What is an iDevice?

An iDevice (instructional device) is a reusable learning device such as a case study, reading activity, or multiple choice quiz questions. A collection of idevices will generally make up a lesson or unit of learning. At the current point in the development of eXe and its iDevices, a clear definition of what an iDevice is cannot be made as those designing learning tools use them in different ways. Also, more iDevices are being created as new ideas for reusable iDevices are being generated by both the developers and users of eXe.

How can I add an iDevice?

Adding a iDevice from the iDevice pane is very simple:

* In your Outline pane, go to the desired page where you would like to place an iDevice

* Then select the appropriate iDevice by clicking on it

* The iDevice will automatically be added onto that page

There are several things to point out once you have inserted your iDevice. A lot of the iDevices will contain the following features:

* A heading field on the very top where you can name your iDevice

* The iDevice type

* A Rich Text Editor bar which will allow you to manipulate text, create bullets, insert pictures, embed videos, and much more

* iDevice actions which are usually located at the bottom left corner. These will allow you to finalize your changes, undo them, or simply delete the iDevice

* A Text Area Resizer allows you to change the size your text field

How can I make my own iDevice?

1. Select Tools from the toolbar menu and select iDevice Editor. The iDevice editor window will open.
2. Enter the device name, author name, and the purpose for the iDevice.
3. Enter any advice or description that you feel will allow the user to use the device the way it was intended
4. Select the type of emphasis you want to place on the content entered with this idevice. No emphasis means that the content will display as plain text, some emphasis differentiates the text slight and Strong emphasis highlights the text. By selecting emphasis you will be presented with an icon menu. Click on an icon to attach it to your iDevice. This icon will appear alongside the iDevice title.
5. The next step is to build your iDevice by selecting the elements you want to appear in your iDevice. The Add Text Field button provides you with a single line input field. The Add Text Area button gives you a multiple line input field. You can also add a Feedback field (similar to the Case Study iDevice).
6. Give each element a label and provide instructions on using each one.
7. Click Save. The new iDevice will appear in the iDevices Pane. This iDevice now behaves in the same manner as the other iDevices.

Advanced eXe (iDevice Chart)

In the basic tutorial, we went over 3 of the most basic iDevices. The following chart gives a brief description of all of the available iDevices ~ it is also helpful to just experiment with the different iDevices in a practice eXe module.

**Rollover the name of the iDevice to view an image

Note: Some of the iDevice tools such as the Java Applet, RSS, and SCORM Quiz are a little more difficult to use and will require you to learn about their functions and uses before trying to implement them into your lesson.

iDevice

Description

Activity

An activity can be defined as a task or set of tasks a learner must complete. Provide a clear statement of the task and consider any conditions that may help or hinder the learner in the performance of the task.

Case Study

A case study is a story that conveys an educational message. A case study can be used to present a realistic situation that enables learners to apply their own knowledge and experience to. When designing a case study you might want to consider the following:

* What educational points are conveyed in the story

* What preparation will the learners need to do prior to working on the case study

* Where the case study fits into the rest of the course

* How the learners will interact with the materials and each other e.g. if run in a classroom situation can teams be setup to work on different aspects of the case and if so how are ideas feed back to the class.

Cloze Activity

Cloze activities prompt learners with a piece of text with significant phrases or words missing. Learners demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the concepts presented in the text by filling in the missing phrases or words. A useful device for testing reading comprehension and language skills.

External web site

The external web site iDevice allows you to attach an external web site url to your content. This feature allows learners to browse the external web site without the need to open a new browser window.

Free Text Area

The majority of a learning resource will be establishing context, delivering instructions and providing general information. This provides the framework within which the learning activities are built and delivered.

Image Gallery

The gallery iDevice allows you to upload and label multiple images.

Image Magnifier

The image magnifier allows the learner to view parts of an image in a magnified state.

Java Applet

This is iDevice that allows users to load simple java applets into the eXe content.

For Instructions on how to insert a java applet, scroll down below the table.

Multi-Choice Question

Although more often used in formal testing situations MCQ's can be used as a formative testing tool to stimulate thought and discussion on topics students may feel a little reticent in responding to.

When designing a MCQ test consider the following:

* What learning outcomes are the questions testing

* What intellectual skills are being tested

* What are the language skills of the audience

* Gender and cultural issues

Avoid grammar, language and question structures that might provide clues.

Multi-select Question

This iDevice provides the ability to choose more than one correct response to a question.

Objectives

Objectives describe the expected outcomes of the learning and should define what the learners will be able to do when they have completed the learning tasks.

Pre-Knowledge

Prerequisite knowledge refers to the knowledge learners should already have in order to be able to effectively complete the learning. Examples of pre-knowledge can be:

* Learners must have level 4 English

* Learners must be able to assemble standard power tools

RSS

The RSS iDevice allows users to import a snapshot of RSS content into your authoring environment where it can then be edited. This iDevice requires that the author be connected to the Internet.

Reading Activity

Provide learners with structure to their reading activity. This helps put the activity in context for the learner. It is also important to correctly reference any reading materials you refer to as this models best practice to the learners. Not always essential if covered in the course content but providing feedback to the learner on some of the main points covered in the reading may also add value to the activity.

Reflection

The Reflection iDevice allows you to pose a question for the learner to consider or set an activity for learners to complete before receiving some guidance by clicking on the Feedback button.

SCORM Quiz

The SCORM Quiz iDevice bundles questions to form a quiz assessment. This assessment is then managed by the Learning Management System (LMS) to enable scoring.

True/False Question

True-false questions present a statement that requires the learner to make a decision whether or not the statement is true or not.

Wiki Article

The wiki article idevice takes a snap shot of an article and embeds it into your eXe content. This iDevice requires that the author be connected to the Internet. Changes made to the article will not automatically be updated to Wiki so changes made on your local machine to the wiki content in your content should be submitted back to the wiki where appropriate.

Advanced eXe (Java Applets & RSS Feeds)

Java Applets

1. First, you have to know the type of applet you would like to add, such as a calculator, a text modifier, or a game. Next, search "free java applets" (be careful here, it is always possible that the websites are malicious; the Java Boutique was used for example).
2. Enter the site for free Java Applets and search for the Applet you would like to add. Click on the Applet (note: if it doesn't work on the applet site, it probably won't work on yours either, look for a different one)
3. Now, select the file next to "Download" and save the file to your desktop (unzip it to a folder on your desktop or in your documents)
4. There should also be an "HTML source" (if there is not, the applet is not usable)~ use your mouse to select this code and right click to copy it
5. Open your eXe learning project and on the appropriate page, select the Java Applet iDevice
6. Paste the "HTML source" code that you copied earlier into the "Applet code" area
7. Next, select "Add Files", enter the folder that you downloaded earlier, and select the first file
8. Place your cursor on the file name and hit enter to add the file.
9. Select add files again and repeat the last two steps until you've added all of the files in the folder (yes, there may be a lot of them--you have to add ALL of them)
10. You are finished (please note, alot of java applets are not registered & may not work right away ~ you might have to try a new one, this is a risk with adding these, but they are extremely useful if they do work!!)

RSS Feeds

1. First, you have to decide which kind of feed you would like to add to your learning project (i.e. an RSS feed with updated education articles).
2. Next, search for the topic + RSS (i.e. Education Articles RSS)
3. Once you find a page you like, select the RSS icon to get the XML page
4. Use your cursor to select and copy the URL name
5. Open your exe learning project and select RSS feed from the iDevice menu
6. Paste the URL you copied earlier into this area and select "Load"
7. You are finished and there should be links to a variety of articles depending upon the RSS feeds you chose

Known Bugs & Issues

eXe is a software tool that is continually being improved and updated. Being a relatively new type of technology, eXe does have some bugs and issues that still need to be worked out. Current bugs and issues include:

• Currently you cannot have more than one SCORM Quiz per node or page. You can however make a SCORM Quiz in each node. There is no limit to how many quizzes you have throughout your resource. We will continue to try to fix this problem but it has been set as a low priority.
• The eXe file format has changed between versions. Now that version 1.0 has been released, we expect fewer changes. While newer versions of eXe can open old packages, old versions of eXe will not be able to open packages created with newer versions. This means if you are collaborating in authoring a document and sharing .elp files, you all should use the same version of eXe. The package format is compatible across platforms, so there is no problem sharing .elp files between Windows, OS X, and Linux.
• eXe does not do any file locking or transaction control that would allow multiple authors to safely edit the same package at the same time on a shared volume. Instead, each of the authors could work on components of a resource, and then use eXe's Merging... Insert Package feature to build the components into a single package.

Known Bugs & Issues

eXe is a software tool that is continually being improved and updated. Being a relatively new type of technology, eXe does have some bugs and issues that still need to be worked out. Current bugs and issues include:

• Currently you cannot have more than one SCORM Quiz per node or page. You can however make a SCORM Quiz in each node. There is no limit to how many quizzes you have throughout your resource. We will continue to try to fix this problem but it has been set as a low priority.
• The eXe file format has changed between versions. Now that version 1.0 has been released, we expect fewer changes. While newer versions of eXe can open old packages, old versions of eXe will not be able to open packages created with newer versions. This means if you are collaborating in authoring a document and sharing .elp files, you all should use the same version of eXe. The package format is compatible across platforms, so there is no problem sharing .elp files between Windows, OS X, and Linux.
• eXe does not do any file locking or transaction control that would allow multiple authors to safely edit the same package at the same time on a shared volume. Instead, each of the authors could work on components of a resource, and then use eXe's Merging... Insert Package feature to build the components into a single package.