Lessons learnt in mining and writing design patterns for educational interactive graphics

Design patterns capture the invariant parts of proven designs as solutions to a problem in a specific context. While e-learning patterns have become popular in academic discussion, a large-scale use of these patterns or pattern languages in general cannot yet be observed in the field. One problem is that there are no agreed standards to define, analyze, organize, and evaluate such patterns. Another challenge is to find the right patterns and describe them at an appropriate level of abstraction, granularity, and detail. In this paper, we present a case study on the mining, writing and application of patterns for interactive educational graphics. It focuses on pattern mining and describes how to derive patterns from experience and analysis. Based on schema theory, a method is proposed to find patterns that are shared by other individuals. To improve the quality of written patterns, we consider established methods of pattern writing. The aim is to document patterns that are understandable, well-structured, and that capture the expert’s intrinsic knowledge about real patterns as precisely as possible. Finally, the benefits and applicability of patterns are discussed.