Learning Management Systems (LMS), as a complement or replacement for face-to-face instruction, are becoming increasingly attractive for institutions, educators, and learners. However, due to the growing demand and the diverse existing LMS options, the development of new learning technologies is fragmented and time-consuming. A more efficient approach is the development of a cross-system middleware that operates with open specifications, compatible with various existing LMS, and customizable to individual needs.
With the development of a Common Learning Middleware (CLM), Fraunhofer FOKUS aims to fill this gap. The CLM was originally designed to enable a unified Fraunhofer-LMS (orig. »Fraunhofer Lernportal«), which brings together all teaching and learning technologies from different institutes and enhances Fraunhofer’s external impact. Simultaneously, it was developed using open specifications, notably Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), Common Cartridge (CC), and Experience API (xAPI), allowing educational content to be developed once and integrated into other external LMS platforms in the long term.
CLM Services | © Fraunhofer FOKUS
For individual customization to different systems and needs, the individual components of the CLM have shared interfaces. Additionally, its concept is independent of instructional delivery, allowing it to be used for blended learning courses, flipped classrooms, workshops, part-time further education, or purely online courses. Furthermore, adaptive learning technologies can be integrated, such as personalized learning recommendations, AI-based chatbots, customized learning paths, personal reports, knowledge assessments, and learning need predictions. The CLM follows a service-oriented architecture and distinguishes between General Services (required by all platforms, e.g., management and storage of learner data), Common Services (shared, e.g., content databases), and Special Services (customized for specific use cases).
CLM Architecture | © Fraunhofer FOKUS
The CLM consists of an Open Source Core, from which all other microservices inherit to extend their own functionality. The focus here lies on user and rights management as well as the relationship model. Together with the other six services, this forms the Open-Core package of the Common Learning Middleware.
The core of the Common Learning Middleware and selected submodules are open source, meaning that many relevant use cases can already be implemented in educational environments. However, there are a number of other CLM sub-modules and services that complement the infrastructure with important additional features, specifications, standards, graphical user interfaces, etc., which are currently not open source. If you are interested in additional features or premium features, or if you cannot use the software under the specified license for certain reasons, please contact the CLM developers.