DITA supports real-time updates and synchronization of educational terminology databases through its flexible architecture. This capability is crucial for ensuring that learners and educators always have access to the latest definitions and terminology. Here’s how DITA enables real-time updates:

Terminology Database

In DITA, educational terminology definitions are typically stored in a centralized terminology database, often in the form of glossaries or glossary topics. These databases house a collection of terms and their corresponding definitions. With DITA’s structure, it’s possible to manage these databases efficiently and ensure consistency in terminology definitions.

Linking to Database

DITA content links to the terminology database using referencing mechanisms. For instance, you can use the <termref> element to reference a term from the glossary, making it easy to insert the latest definition into your educational content. This way, when terminology updates occur in the database, the changes are automatically reflected in all linked instances across various documents.

Real-Time Synchronization

Real-time synchronization of educational terminology databases is made possible through version control systems and collaborative tools. When updates or modifications are made to the terminology database, these changes can be tracked and synchronized in real-time, ensuring that all educational materials, whether in progress or already published, are kept up-to-date with the most accurate definitions.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA supports real-time updates and synchronization of educational terminology databases:

<termref keyref="term:software" />

In this example, the <termref> element references the term with the key “software” from the terminology database. When the definition of “software” is updated in the database, all references to this term in your educational content will automatically reflect the latest definition in real-time.