This wiki provides a resource for those creating web-based interactive learning materials using Xerte, a set of free open-source authoring tools that can be installed on a PC or a website. Learning Objects (LOs) authored in Xerte can be deployed for use by learners in a number of different ways, for example through an LMS, such as Blackboard or Moodle, or to a website.
Xerte comprises two main sets of tools;
Xerte Online Toolkit allows you to draw on a wide range of page types to create Learning Objects, presenting information using different media, creating interactive tasks with automated feedback, providing pathways through learning materials and tracking learner usage and performance.
Bootstrap Template allows you to create websites comprising one or more pages, with a menus allowing navigation at the website and page level. A range of different content and media can placed in different sections on a page, and pages (or whole LOs) can be embedded within sections.
Who will benefit from this wiki, and how?
The wiki is aimed at a range of authors, including teachers or trainers in any discipline, with no specific IT training or background, and learning technologists, some of who may have an IT background. The wiki assumes an understanding of the basic principles behind Xerte, but can be used by new and more experienced authors.
It is not a course, although for any Xerte page type if you follow the instructions and explanations in the wiki, you should be able to create your own project. The wiki aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Xerte Online Templates and the Bootstrap Template, but occasionally there will be issues that you are unable to resolve. In this case, you can post questions or comments to the Xerte Forum, and you should receive a response within a couple of days. You will find a link to the Xerte Forum in the sidebar on each page of the wiki.
What do I need to start working with Xerte?
To make full use of the wiki, you need to have access to a Xerte installation. If you work within an institution, you may already have access to one, or you may well be able to persuade your institution to make it available to staff - you can download Xerte Online Toolkits from the Xerte community website. If you are a freelance teacher or trainer, you will need to either install it to your own device, or on a hosted website. If you are working alone and have limited IT skills and knowledge, the easiest way to work is to install Xerte on your own device and then upload LOs into a VLE/LMS such as Blackboard or Moodle.