HTML5 is a current revision of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) used for presenting content on the World Wide Web. The new standard is intended to replace the current version of HTML (4.01) and XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language). The new markup language introduces elements and attributes to describe the structure of a document.

In a nutshell HTML5 can be described as the fusion of HTML + CSS (cascade style sheets) + JS (JavaScript). The document structure is defined by the HTML code. The CSS3 defines the presentation of the document, and JavaScript adds functionality to the web applications.

HTML5 brings functionality to the browser, as it transforms the browser into a programming platform. Browsers that support HTML5 can render video and audio without a third party plug in. However, you will still need to use media converting tools to prepare your file to be rendered in an HTML5 doc. During my research I discovered these conversion tools.

HTML5 introduces new elements that when added to your page code render interactivity. For instance, by placing <canvas> or <svg> (scalable vector graphics) tag, your browser will display these new elements without the need for a plug in. "In previous versions of HTML, when a swf file was inserted, a Flash Player was needed to display the content"(10-Unrein, Judy). Now the browser does that job.

A new exciting feature to HTML5 is the capability of browsers to run applications offline, since the browsers can store and use data locally. As described on the W3C's HTML5 Working Draft (4-Hickson, Ian) browsers"enable users to continue interacting with web applications and documents even when their network connections are unavailable".

Among other new elements are <video> and <audio> tags that allow media files to sit directly in the code (view examples on right bar of this document), and display media files hosted in a remote server.

Power to the Learner's Browser

In order for the learner to take advantage of all the features HTML5 has to offer, he should opt to use the most powerful browser, one that supports all (or the available) elements. Figure I shows the different browser capabilities as of 2010.

It is important to keep in mind that the HTML5 specifications are not complete, and according to WC3, it won't be complete until 2022. However, many of the features are already supported by the great majority of browsers. One important thing to notice is that, even older browsers will display HTML5 correctly, except for the new elements added to its revised code.

What HTML5 has to offer for Education?

Unlike Flash output files that cannot be modified without their source files, courses developed in HTML5 can be recycled and re-used any time by simply tweaking their code, creating endless possibilities for re-development.

Mobile Learning (mLearning)

Considering that almost all mobile devices in the market today already have browsers that support HTML5, building desktop applications with the same technology makes sense on all fronts. In addition, applications built with HTML5 use less bandwidth and processing power.

Conclusion

As mobile devices become more sophisticated, and browsers evolve to provide phone functionality, we will see the implementation of more HTML5 features. We will, consequently, experience richer e-learning experiences.

The HTML5 'game' is just beginning. There are a number of applications that have been designed using this technology. They are not exactly e-learning tools, but they allow you to envision the future possibilities. Visit the Samples section of this site to experience them yourself.