Adding a new Learning Design
This section explains how to create and add a new Learning Design (LD).
Please note the following concepts:
- A Learning Design File is an XML file that is not saved
in IMS Learning Design format. It is a special XML file that stores information
about the LD, and contains references to local files located in the "content"
folder.
- A Learning Design File is stored in a file directory that we call the "Project
Folder".
- A Project folder is a file directory of your own choosing.
When creating a new LD, it is best to choose or create a new, empty directory
for the Project folder.
- The Project folder contains one or more LD XML files, a "content"
folder for local content files, and a "metadata"
folder for IMS Metadata files that are to be included in the LD file.
- A LD entry in the Projects View is a pointer
or shortcut to a LD XML file.
- It is possible to select an existing Learning Design XML file from the wizard
to re-add it to the Projects View.
- When adding a new Learning Design XML file from the wizard it is possible
to select an existing Project Folder in order to re-use the content and metadata
files in that folder for the Learning Design.
To create and add a new Learning Design perform the following steps:
- Ensure that the Projects View is visible. If it is not visible, open it
from the Window->Show View->Projects menu.
- You will see a Project tree view with a group named "Learning
Designs". This is the root group. Right-clicking on this group
allows you to add either a new sub-group or a new Learning Design (LD). You
may manage your LDs in groups if you wish.

The Projects View
- Add a New Learning Design to the root folder or to a folder that you have
created, by selecting New->Learning Design from the right-click
menu or by selecting the option from the main File->New->Learning
Design menu.
- A "New Learning Design" wizard will appear. Give
your LD a name. This is the name that will appear in the Projects View and
has no meaning outside of the Editor. Provide a new system folder and file
name for the XML file by clicking the "Browse..."
button. This will be your "Project folder". We recommend that you
choose an empty system folder and a new file name. In the wizard dialog, select
the parent group to which you wish to add the LD. If you have just started
you will only see the "Learning Designs" group.
Click the "Finish" button.

The New Learning Design Wizard
- The new LD will be inserted in the Projects View and the LD Editor will
automatically be opened.
- Work your way through the various Editor Panels, adding Roles, Activities,
Environments and Services, Plays, Acts and Role Parts in accordance with the
IMS Learning Design specification. For more information, see the rest of this
Help Guide.