The document discusses a workshop on using Open University (OU) XML to create units for OpenLearn. The workshop covered introducing XML, why the POCKET project used OU XML, the process of using OU XML in POCKET, and examples of how XML allows units to be output in different formats and imported into platforms like Blackboard. Attendees were invited to try an XML editor and ask any questions.

1. Using OU XML to create units
for OpenLearn
A workshop with:
• Sarah Darley, University of Derby
• Dr Gerald Schmidt, The Open University
Workshop 16 October 2008
www.derby.ac.uk

2. Introduction to XML
• XML stands for extensible markup language
• XML is for structuring data
• XML is not a programming language
• You don’t have to be a programming expert to
use it
• XML looks a bit like HTML
www.derby.ac.uk

3. Why did POCKET use OU XML?
• The project intended to build on the experience of
OpenLearn
• All POCKET units had to be uploaded to
OpenLearn
• All POCKET units had to validate against the OU
XML Schema
• Flexibility of XML increases sustainability of the
project outputs
www.derby.ac.uk

4. Using OU XML in POCKET: Process
www.derby.ac.uk

5. Downloading from OpenLearn
• Creating units in XML
allowed them to be
outputted in many different
formats
www.derby.ac.uk

6. Using an XML editor
www.derby.ac.uk

7. The final unit on OpenLearn
www.derby.ac.uk

8. Tables created in XML
www.derby.ac.uk

9. Animations and films
www.derby.ac.uk

10. XML imported into Blackboard
www.derby.ac.uk

11. Questions and practical
• Any questions?
• Have a go at using an XML editor
• XML Copy Editor can be downloaded for free
from:
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?
group_id=141776&package_id
www.derby.ac.uk

12. Thanks for listening!
• For more information on POCKET, please visit:
www.derby.ac.uk/pocket
www.derby.ac.uk