Education Completed research project

Word-based digitalisation platform for schools

DigiSchool

parsQube has developed a demonstrator for a digitalisation platform that can automatically export learning content from Word into PDF and HTML formats.

Seal of the Research Allowance Certification Office (BSFZ) for in-house research and development (FuE), bearing the year 2022 in the centre, surrounded by a two-coloured, semi-circular frame.
BSFZ seal 2022 for in-house research and development
  • 2020–2021Project duration: 01.01.2020 to 31.12.2021
  • 24 monthsProject period
  • BSFZ 2022Seal for in-house research and development

DigiSchool – (Word-based) digitalisation platform for schools

01

What was the goal of the project?

The research project DigiSchool aimed to develop a digitalisation platform for schools that enables learning content to be automatically digitalised and prepared without programming knowledge. The core innovation was a software engine that completely decomposes Microsoft Word templates into individual elements and converts them into digital content (PDF, HTML). This was intended to reduce the workload for teachers and enable optimal learning for students.

02

What were the three biggest risks?

  • It was unclear whether algorithms could be developed that reliably and without human intervention convert Word and Writer documents into a generic XML format.

  • There was uncertainty as to whether a generic XML format could be developed that would enable automated transformation into PDF/HTML.

  • Both points were considered project termination criteria. To minimise risk, experienced personnel were employed.

03

What was the result of the project?

The result of the project was a demonstrator for a digitalisation platform that enables learning content from Word templates to be automatically exported into PDF and HTML formats. This allows for a significant reduction in teachers' workload and promotes barrier-free, adaptive learning.