Online manual/Working with eXe


Contents

Working with eXe

eXe has been designed to provide users with the flexibility to develop learning content or learning resources in a way that best suits their personal development processes. Some users for example, may prefer to outline the structure of their content before settling the detail of their content. Others might prefer to put in the detail and structure the content once they know the detail they have to cover.

For eXe users that prefer to design the structure of their content first, the Outline pane will enable you to construct an outline or course design that reflects your own preferred hierarchy and even taxonomy, e.g. topics-sections-units, or books - chapters - notes, etc. The outline structure can be easily adapted as content detail is added.

The iDevice (instructional Device) pane is a collection of structural elements that describe learning content and activities. Examples of these include, objectives, pre-knowledge, case studies, or even free text. Learning content is created by selecting iDevices from the iDevice menu and entering your learning content. A learning resource may consist of as few or as many iDevices as needed to deliver the learning content. New iDevices are in development and recommendations for additional iDevices are constantly sought from the wider learning community. Users can include images, math equations, and multi-media (including the majority of current video formats and mp3) - or attach any other resource - into any iDevice's rich-text fields.

If the iDevice you need is not amongst those generic iDevices listed in the iDevice pane you may be able to create your own new iDevice using the iDevice Editor. This is covered later in the manual.

Once authoring is complete content can be exported using eXe’s Export facility. Content can be saved as a self contained web site for publishing to a web server, or as a SCORM Content Package or IMS Content Package, which should enable the resource to be imported into most SCORM compliant Learning Management Systems (LMS). eXe also includes exports for flat text files as well as an experimental iPod notes format export. eXe pages also format well for the printing of resources.

eXe Menu Options

The Menu contains the following options: File, Tools, Styles, and Help. These are described briefly below:

Filecontains options for Opening previous content you have worked on, Saving content, Exporting content as a Web Site or SCORM package, or Merging a previously authored package into the package you are currently working on
Toolslaunch the iDevice editor, or select the language (preferences) that you would like to use eXe in, or refresh the display (if eXe seems to stop responding)
Stylesselect a style for your content
Helpinformation to report a bug or learn more about eXe

About the Authoring Workspace

eXe's authoring workspace is made up of two work areas. The left sidebar contains the tools that content authors can use to enter and organise content. While the authoring space behaves as a drafting board where content authors using the iDevice tools can edit and view content. Currently, a properties tab is also accessible in this work space. The properties tab is designed to enable content authors to define basic metadata and taxonomy for the project as well as add header graphics and a title.

eXe Sidebar

Located at the far left of the screen is the eXe sidebar containing the Outline and iDevice panes.

The basic tree type structure allows users to add content pages (branches, children or nodes) to the trunk (Home page). Multiple levels can be added under this structure however guidelines for good content design suggest a fairly flat structure to be ideal for most learning content.

The Outline Pane

image:exe-outline-pane.png

The Outline tool set allows you to define the structure your project will take. This is particularly useful for large or complex projects that contain many parts or topics. The Outline pane uses a tree structure to organise related pages. This first page or node is the Home page. This is the top level page and will always display as your project's home page when published.

FunctionDescription
Home PageThe Home page is the first page displayed when the project is exported to the web or an LMS. This is a parent page and additional child level pages can be added under this page.
Adding pagesTo add additional pages select the parent node by highlighting the parent level and click the <Add Page> button.
Delete pagesTo delete a page, select the page you want to delete and click the delete button. A dialogue message displays to check this action. Click OK to continue.
Renaming pagesSelect the page you want to rename and click the rename button or double click on the node. A dialogue message prompts you to enter the new name. Enter the name and click OK.
Extracting & Merging pagesMerging pages allows you to take an elp file and merge the content of that file into another elp file, or to take a page from an elp file and extract it to create a new elp.

To insert a file select the node you wish to insert the content into then select Merge, Insert Package from the File menu. Alternately, you can right-click on a node and select Insert Package. The Browser dialogue is displayed. Browse to the elp file you want to insert and click Open. The new file content will now appear in your open elp file.

To extract a node, select the node from your open elp file, select File, Merging, Extract Package (or right-click). A save dialog is displayed. Enter a file name for the node you are extracting and click Save. A confirmation message will be displayed.

Promote/Demote arrows

The promote/demote arrows are located beneath the outline pane. Selecting a node and clicking on one of the arrows will change the position of that node with the outline structure.

The iDevice Pane

The eXe iDevice pane


The iDevice (instructional device) pane is a collection of structural elements that describe learning content. Examples of these include, objectives, pre-knowledge, case studies, free text. Learning content is created by selecting iDevices from the iDevice menu and entering your learning content.


iDevice Descriptions

iDevicesDescription
ActivityAn 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 StudyA 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 ActivityCloze activities prompts 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 websiteThe external website iDevice allows you to attach an external website url to your content. This feature allows learners to browse the external website without the need to open a new browser window.
Free Text AreaThe 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 GalleryThe gallery iDevice allows you to upload and label multiple images.
Image MagnifierThe image magnifier allows the learner to view parts of an image in a magnified state.
Java appletThis is iDevice that allows users to load simple java applets into the eXe content.
Multi-choice QuestionAlthough 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 QuestionThis iDevice provides the ability to choose more then one correct response to a question.
ObjectivesObjectives 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.
PreknowledgePrerequisite 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
RSSThe 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 ActivityProvide 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.
ReflectionThe Reflection iDevice allows you to pose a question for the learner to consider of set an activity for learners to complete before receiving some guidance by clicking on the Feedback button.
SCORM QuizThe 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 QuestionTrue-false questions present a statement that requires the learner to make a determine whether or not the statement is true or not.
Wiki articleThe 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.

Authoring Window

image:exe-authoring-pane.png

The authoring window (to the right of the screen) displays the editable areas in the iDevice templates selected. Various editing tools are available to assist in the development of text.

Adding an iDevice

image:exe-idevice-explained.png

Formatting content using Rich Text Editor

Using the iDevice rich text editor you enter your content as you would if you were using standard word processing type applications. Formatting of your content at this stage is relatively simple and the editing toolbar located above each editable frame provides some basic formatting, searching and linking functionality.

image:exe-edit-toolbar.png

image:Exe-rte-clear.pngClear field content
image:Exe-rte-fontstyle.pngFont styles: bold, italic, and underlined
image:Exe-rte-fontsize.pngFont size selection menu
image:Exe-rte-fontfamily.pngFont family selection menu
image:Exe-rte-fontcolor.pngText and text background colors
image:Exe-rte-supersub.pngFont styles: subscript and superscript
image:Exe-rte-textalign.pngText alignment: left, center, right, and full
image:Exe-rte-lists.pngLists: unordered and ordered
image:Exe-rte-dent.pngText margins: outdent and indent
image:Exe-rte-anchor.pngAnchor: insert an anchor for internal linking (via the chain text-link button); only supported in exports of type Web Site

See Including more Anchors for internal Navigation Links for more details

image:Exe-rte-cutcopypaste.pngCut and copy to, and paste from, clipboard
image:Exe-rte-pastespecial.pngPaste clipboard as text, and paste from Word (to cleanup Word formatting)
image:Exe-rte-help.pngHelp button for TinyMCE, the rich text editor
image:Exe-rte-image.pngImage: insert an image into your content (to link to a URL or to embed a file); or edit its properties

See Including Images for more details

image:Exe-rte-media.pngMedia: insert a media clip into your content (to link to a URL or to embed a file); or edit its properties

See Including Multi-Media, Audio and Video for more details

image:Exe-rte-maths.pngMath: generate or edit an embedded math image using LaTeX (see mimetex's LaTeX tutorial )

See Including Mathematical Graphics (using LaTeX) for more details

image:Exe-rte-rule.pngInsert an advanced horizontal rule
image:Exe-rte-table.pngInsert a table
image:Exe-rte-tableformat.pngTable properties: row and cell
image:Exe-rte-trow.pngTable rows: insert row before or after, or delete
image:Exe-rte-tcol.pngTable columns: insert column before or after, or delete
image:Exe-rte-tablehead.pngTable: split and merge
image:Exe-rte-link.pngText Link: insert a link (to an external URL, an internal anchor, or to embed an attachment file); or edit its properties; or remove the link (via the broken-chain button)

See Including Links and Attachments for more details

image:Exe-rte-do.pngUndo and Redo edits or formatting
image:Exe-rte-symbols.pngInsert a custom character symbol
image:Exe-rte-html.pngHTML raw source editor (advanced users only)
image:Exe-rte-erase.pngRemove formatting from selected text

iDevice Control Buttons

image:exe-control-buttons.png

Each iDevice comes with a standard set of iDevice control buttons. These controls are described below.

Green check mark

Each time you enter content into a field you must click on the check mark. This records the content in the iDevice and switches the view to preview mode. Note This does not save your work!!!

Blue undo arrow

By clicking on the blue undo arrow, you will undo any changes that might have made to the iDevice since opening it for edit. Please note that some iDevice editing functions (for example, Add or Remove a Question or Option in any of the quizzing iDevices) do not support an undo, and will result in the arrow appearing as: Image:Exe-no-undo-arrow.png

Red X

By clicking on the red X you will delete the iDevice and any content entered.

Up and down arrows

The up and down arrows allow you to change the order of the iDevices displayed on your screen.

Move To menu

You can move iDevices containing content between and within nodes. This is done by opening the drop down menu and selecting the node you wish to move it to.

Edit iDevice

The page and pencil icon that appears in preview mode beneath each iDevice enables you to edit that particular iDevice. This is done by clicking on the icon which opens the iDevice in edit mode.

Properties Tab

image:exe-properties-pane.png


The properties tab allows capturing relevant project related data. Within this tab you will find three sub-tabs created to collect the data.

The Package tab allows you to record basic project information like project title, author details and taxonomy. Authors can now also add a header graphic to a package which will display in the title area of the screen page.

The Metadata tab allows you to enter details which may prove useful for searching at a later stage. eXe currently supports Unqualified Dublin Core for IMS Content Packages. That same metadata is wrapped in a subset of the IMSLRM (which itself is a subset of the IEEE-LOM) for SCORM 1.2 exports.

If the metadata entries are not filled in, eXe uses the package title, author, and description as fallback values. If you don't set the package title either, eXe will default to using the package filename.

FieldIMS Content PackageScorm 1.2
Titledc:titlegeneral.title
Creatordc:creatorlifecycle.contribute (role=Author)
Note: should be entered with VCARD tag such as FN:Joe Author or ORG:Big University
Subjectdc:subjectunused
Descriptiondc:descriptiongeneral.description
Publisherdc:publisherlifecycle.contribute (role=Publisher)
Note: should be entered with VCARD tag such as FN:Joe Author or ORG:Big University
Contributorsdc:contributorslifecycle.contribute (role=Unknown)
Note: should be entered with VCARD tag such as FN:Joe Author or ORG:Big University
Note: only one allowed.
Datedc:dateused for lifecycle.contribute dates
Typedc:typeunused
Formatdc:formattechnical.format
Identifierdc:identifiergeneral.catalogentry
Sourcedc:sourceunused
Languagedc:languagegeneral.language
Relationdc:relationrelation.resource
Coveragedc:coverageunused
Rightsdc:rightsrights.description

The Export tab allows you to select additional SCORM export features. SCORM features will be listed in this tab as they are developed and can be selected by activating the relevant checkboxes.

In eXe 1.0, the only feature available is for the addition of next and previous links to be made for SCORM exports. This feature adds next and previous page navigation buttons to each page when viewed through an LMS browser. At present this feature has been tested with the Moodle and Interact LMS. It relies on special functionality in the LMS and so should not be expected to work in all cases.

Menus and Toolbars

Loading files

Native eXe files are held as .elp files. When authoring existing files in eXe a file must be loaded to the eXe before they can be edited. eXe files are saved as .elp extensions (see Chapter 5 File Management for more detail).

Loading .elp files to eXe Select <file, open> in the toolbar. The <select a file> window opens allowing authors to browse to the folder or file sought. Select the file by double clicking on the file or selecting the file with a single click and clicking <open>. The file will open in the eXe authoring window.

Save Content

IMPORTANT NOTE

You must use the procedure described below to save your .elp file. The green checkmark closes edit mode for each idevice but does not save your package. Any edits made to idevices will be lost if not manually saved using the procedure outlined below.

To save authored content

Select <save> from the <file> menu in the toolbar. The <select a file> window opens allowing authors to enter a file name for the project. A dialogue message is displayed confirming the location of the saved file.

Exporting Content

Content created in eXe can be exported as a web package ready for publishing to a web server, as a SCORM 1.2 package for delivery to a SCORM compliant LMS, an IMS Content Package, a Single Web Page suitable for printing, a plain text file for display on mobile devices, or iPod Notes files.

To export a package

For the Web

Select <export> from the <file> menu in the toolbar. Select <Web Site> and then choose either <Self-Contained Folder> or <Zip File>. If you select <Self-Contained Folder> select the folder you want to export to by selecting a folder from the <browse to folder> window, or create a new folder and click<OK>.

A new folder can be created to store files by clicking on the <make new folder> button in the <browse to folder> window. Label the newly made folder and click <OK>.

You can also export your web site as a zip file. This will help if you need to email your site to a webmaster, or if you have an LMS that can unzip files itself (like Moodle).

For SCORM / IMS Content Package Select <export> from the <file> menu in the toolbar. Select SCORM 1.2 or IMS Content Package. The <export SCORM package as> window will be displayed and you will be prompted for the package title. Enter the package title and click <save>. A similar process occurs for the IMS Content Package export. Packages exported this way are saves as .zip files. You do not need to unzip these files in order to import into an LMS.

Preferences

The Preferences dialog currently enables you to change the language in which the eXe interface is rendered. Select a language from the pulldown list and hit OK to change to another language. Your selection will be remembered when you restart eXe.

Styles

eXe currently offers seven page styles. Each style combines a different colour theme and icons appropriate to a theme. Styles are selected from the <Styles> menu on the toolbar.

iDevice Editor and iDevice tools

image:exe-screenshot-ideviceeditor.png

The iDevice Editor allows you to design your own iDevices.


Menu ItemDescription
Edit Drop-down MenuThe Edit drop-down allows you to edit an existing iDevice or create a new iDevice.

Note: Not all iDevices can be edited, only those with simple functionality are editable.


Menu ItemDescription
Text LineAdd a single text line field
Text BoxAdd text box field. This will allow multiple lines of text
FeedbackAdd a feedback box that is activated with a show hide button


Menu ItemDescription
iDevice Editor Actions PaneThe Actions pane provides a range of editing functionality.
Preview ButtonThe preview button allows you to preview the layout of the iDevice. Selecting preview displays the field items chosen with any tips, hints and labels assigned. In preview mode the preview button changes to Edit. Clicking on Edit returns you to the edit mode where you can continue to edit the iDevice.
Cancel ButtonThe cancel button is used with existing iDevices and cancels any change made in the current editing instance. All the origninal fields remain only fields added in this new editing instance will be cancelled.
Delete ButtonThe delete button removes the selected iDevice from the iDevice list.
Save ButtonThe save button saves changes to existing iDevices.
Import iDevice ButtonThe import button allows you to import an iDevice someone has exported for you.
Export iDevice ButtonThe export button allows you to export the newly created iDevice in a format that can be shared with other resource developers.
QuitThe quit button exits the iDevice editor.


Creating an iDevice

To create an 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 pedagological help you might give to other users on how you see the device being used.
  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.

Known Bugs and Issues

We acknowledge that there will be issues that maybe difficult for us to resolve from time to time. Sometimes this will be because building something that doesn't exist means the tools to create it may not have quite caught up with our design ambitions. On the other hand it might just be something we haven't worked out how to fix quite yet. Where this happens we will keep you updated with the bugs and issues we do know about.

Current bugs and issues