A Mash-up Architecture for Learning Environments and Knowledge Management Systems

In recent time a new trend can be recognised on the Internet in general and especially in learning environments and knowledge management systems by moving away from monolithic 'one-provider-fits-all' to a combinatorial 'mixing-pieces-together' approach. Mashing-up stands for the re-use, -combination, and -organisation of small software artefacts of clearly defined functionality. Subsequently, mashed-up learning or knowledge management systems describe the idea of highly customisable environments shifting substantial personalisation possibilities from administrators to the end-users. This shift has significant impacts on infrastructure requirements of learning and knowledge management systems as well as on software design decisions. Therefore, this paper describes an approach for a mash-up architecture, making use of small software artefacts which are capable of being easily integrated in various systems.