Use of SVG and ECMA Script Technology for E-Learning Purposes

Abstract

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a XML based markup language used to describe and integrate vector graphics, raster graphicsand text. SVG is developed by the W3C web consortium as an official web standard, with the support of major computer graphicsand mobile phone companies, such as Adobe, Canon, Corel, IBM, Kodak, Nokia, Opera, Sun, etc. SVG Mobile was furthermoreadopted by the 3GPP consortium as a part of the 3GPP mobile phone standard. SVG graphics can be animated and enriched withinteractivity. Scripting languages and network interfaces help build interactive applications. SVG's rich visualization options andthe support of interactivity make it a natural candidate for providing graphics and interactive examples in e-learning environments.The ability to access the SVG source code and have a glance "under the hood" to see how things are made, is especially useful forlearning and sharing purposes. SVG also provides a fun way to introduce programming and illustrate the functionality ofalgorithms. Students are usually motivated if they can graphically visualize what they program. The paper first summarizes SVG'scapabilities. The second part will discuss strengths and weaknesses of the SVG approach and explain why SVG is a usefultechnology for e-learning purposes. The following section describes usage scenarios and gives a number of e-learning examples.Domains will include mathematics, geometry, electronics, programming and GIS. Development tools and authoring systems will bementioned. The last part will discuss and outline current developments regarding the upcoming SVG 1.2 version.