Fraunhofer Common Learning Middleware (CLM)

The "Fraunhofer Common Learning Middleware (CLM)" makes it possible to combine different teaching/learning technologies in a common infrastructure.

The CLM is based on established, standardised interfaces and exchange formats, so that synergies can be created between the technologies and a learning world accepted throughout the company. This applies both to the provision of content and services between the company's own locations and to the provision of components for third party providers and possible licensees externally.

Technically established standards are used, including Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) and Experience API (xAPI).

User

• Providers, manufacturers and operating companies of learning technologies
• Providers of learning courses who want a flexible, scalable and open infrastructure to deliver their courses
   

Services

• The CLM is a flexible structure with a middleware solution that can build on existing learning management systems (LMS), but can also be used independently
• Web portal solution with Single-Sign-On (SSO) for all learning systems.
  Standardised interoperability between LMS, e-assessment, serious games, authoring tools etc.
• Scalable, flexible service-oriented architecture.
  Solutions for embedding native applications, e.g. MS Windows programs without LTI support
• Provision as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or own hosting.
  DSGVO conformity, guarantee of data processing orders
   

Added values

• EPHESOS web portal solution with Single-Sign-On for one-time registration
• Compilation and provision of learning content from different learning opportunities. Learning units that are integrated in courses on different learning platforms are compiled in any order to form a new course and offered centrally
• Can be customised, even by the operator himself
  Open architecture by using established IT standards with a focus on e-learning, including LTI, xAPI, LDAP
• Integration of own, already existing learning systems
   

Application scenario

Example

An example of the interaction between the user and the world of learning systems (see also the picture of the application scenario):

1. The user, Ms Heike Lernmuster, would like to receive further training on data protection and the DSGVO.
2. Ms Lernmuster logs on to the CLM portal EPHESOS once with her well-known corporate account.
3. First the basics are taught in a classical e-learning tool, which is available in an already existing LMS, e.g. ILIAS.
   
4. The consolidation of e.g. process sequences is done with the help of a serious game.
   
5. Using an e-assessment tool (e.g. in Moodle), Ms Lernnmuster can check her level of knowledge at any time, or she can follow the learning recommendations of adaptive recommendation systems if necessary.
   
6. By tracking user actions, certification systems can certify Ms Lernnmuster's successful completion.
    

Outlook

• Curator tool for efficient content management and dynamic linking of learning content from different learning systems
• Adaptive learning systems by creating / selecting / providing learning units from different courses in real time (at runtime).
• You can see the CLM in action at LEARNTEC 2020 at the Fraunhofer joint stand.
   

Partner

Fraunhofer CLM is a joint development of the Fraunhofer Institutes Academy, FIT, FOKUS, IML, IOSB and Ziemann.IT Software.
 

Integration of native Windows applications

The central challenge in connecting CLM and digital educational games such as LostEarth (LE) is the technical integration (coupling) of web-based applications (CLM, EPHESOS) and native Microsoft Windows applications (LostEarth). While LostEarth is an MS Windows .EXE application for technical reasons, CLM with the portal EPHESOS is a web-based browser application.
 

Solution approach

• CLM and connected systems (e.g. EPHESOS Portal) run in a web browser using client-server architecture
• The game LostEarth runs on a virtual machine (at the Fraunhofer IOSB) and can be accessed as a so-called RemoteApp via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
• A special LTI-Metadata-Middleware takes over the coupling between Web and MS Windows World