Handling Heterogeneous Academic Curricula

Abstract

Academic programs follow very heterogeneous curricula. A first roadmap to overcome this still unsolved problem was stated in the Bologna-process. In this paper, we propose a framework heading this goal. It enables students to integrate classes from other institutions into their own curriculum even if the curriculum at the corresponding institution differs. In order to allow class substitutions, we propose the development of an ontology describing the required metadata. Methods for indexing texts as well as case-based reasoning techniques were used in order to identify interchangeable, organizational and semantical equivalent classes. Interoperability between participating institutions was accomplished using Web services and peer-to-peer nets. Existing learning management systems can be integrated. As a result, it was transparent to students where they take their classes in order to reach their degree. Furthermore, educational institutions can broaden their offerings by integrating additional programs