Importing an IMS Learning Design Package

Background

When you create and edit a Learning Design XML file in the Reload Editor you are actually creating a special format XML file. This is so that the Editor can dynamically reference local files without having to worry about parsing them for dependent files, as is required by the IMS Content Packaging specification of which IMS Learning Design is a part. The actual IMS conformant XML file (a file named imsmanifest.xml) is produced at the final "Export" stage. Conversely, then, we have to Import an IMS Learning Design from its zip package. Importing performs the following actions:

Please note - after importing a Learning Design File, any existing <resource> elements will have to be re-parsed by clicking on the "Refresh" button in the Export Panel. The reason for this is that many existing Learning Design files' <resources> sections are incorrectly parsed, if they are parsed at all. See the section on the Export and Packaging Manager for instructions on how to do this and Reload Learning Design Editor - The Process for why we have to do this.

 

Performing the Import

To import an existing IMS Learning Design into the Editor perform the following steps:

  1. Ensure that the Projects View is visible. If it is not visible, open it from the Window->Show View->Projects menu.

  2. Select the File->Import... menu item or click on the Import button on the Projects View toolbar

  3. An "Import IMS Learning Design" wizard will appear. By using the "Browse..." button navigate to and select the zip package file you wish to import. Click the "Next" button.


    The Import IMS Learning Design Wizard Page 1

  4. The next page of the wizard appears. 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 Import IMS Learning Design Wizard Page 2

  5. The new LD will be inserted in the Projects View and the LD Editor will automatically be opened.

  6. 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.