Implementation of a basic risk guide for interactive digital terrestrial television using learning objects

Abstract

The application “Disaster Risk Management Guide” for interactive Digital Terrestrial Television (iDTT), has been implemented based on the design that considers Learning Objects (LO) adapted to iDTT, where the receiving medium is the television and the main element of interaction is the remote control. The contents were worked on in coordination with the National Service for Risk and Emergency Management (SNGRE by its acronym in Spanish) of Ecuador, an organization that was also in charge of the validation. The implementation process, tests and improvements of the application are detailed, which includes three Learning Objects (LO) and a section with geographic information on emergency alerts in real time, obtained from a map server. Each LO addresses informational and educational topics, as well as a self-assessment for the viewer. The methodology for software development has been incremental, based on constant deliveries and progressive advances. The application has been developed in the Ginga NCL (Nested Context Language)-LUA programming language, and the tests have been carried out in two environments: 1) simulation with Ginga-NCL emulators and 2) using the Set Top Box (STB) EiTV Smartbox receiver equipment. The tests mainly detail the processes carried out to identify the audio and video formats supported in the two environments, the most appropriate options for integrating text in the interfaces, and the solution of problems encountered during the process. Finally, a usability analysis of the application is included with tests carried out in different age groups