After focusing on the stability and polishing of the 3.0 series, the eXeLearning project takes a significant step forward with the release of the beta version of eXeLearning 4.0.0. This is not a minor update; it is a deep renewal of the application’s technological foundation that lays the groundwork for a more agile and powerful future. The change to version 4.0 reflects a structural transformation that dramatically improves performance and opens the door to new features, while maintaining the collaborative spirit with the community for its testing and refinement.
A new technological core for superior performance
The most significant change under the hood of eXeLearning 4.0.0 is the modernization of its core. The backend has been rebuilt using cutting-edge technologies such as Elysia, Bun, and Kysely. This update is not directly visible to the user, but its benefits are tangible:
- Greatly superior performance: The application is faster both in installation and daily use. Installers have been optimized to work more efficiently, even without an internet connection.
- A more robust and future-proof structure: This new foundation makes bug fixing easier and, crucially, accelerates the incorporation of new improvements and features in upcoming versions.
- Consolidation of improvements: It integrates all fixes and advancements made in previous versions, offering a more stable and polished platform from the outset.
Main new features for content creators
Version 4.0.0 is not only faster but also incorporates highly demanded tools that transform the workflow:
- New integrated file manager: Forget about external resource management. Now, a manager integrated into the project allows you to:
- Upload images and documents directly.
- Easily insert them into any iDevice.
- Organize them into folders for a professional structure of the material.
- Rename or delete them without leaving eXe.
- Advanced page configuration options: From the structure panel, by selecting a page, you can now:
- Add sub-pages, import blocks/iDevices, or complete files (.elp/.elpx) as dependencies.
- Easily clone or export pages to reuse them in other projects.
- Manage advanced properties: change the title, hide it in the editor, highlight the page in the navigation menu, or make it invisible in exports.
- Image optimizer: To improve the performance of the final materials, an optimizer is included that allows you to reduce the size of selected images in the project, with control over the desired compression level.
- New editing and viewing tools:
- Search in edit mode: Quickly locate any word or text within your resource while editing, ideal for extensive projects.
- Improved printing: From the print/PDF preview, you can now configure how interactive elements (such as feedback boxes or games) are displayed to adapt them to the printed format.
- Global Undo/Redo (Ctrl+Z): This function now also works for actions performed outside iDevices, such as changes to the project structure or settings.
- More styles and content:
- New “Universal” style: Specifically designed to favor the creation of accessible materials for all students.
- DigCompEdu iDevice: This new iDevice is added to indicate which areas and indicators of the Spanish Digital Teaching Competence Framework (MRCDD) are addressed with the content.
- Import styles: Possible, with the important note that styles created for version 2.9 are not compatible due to the technological renewal.
The community, the engine of development
As with version 3.0.2, user participation is key. This beta 4.0.0 is a call to the community to download it, test it in staging environments, and report any issues or suggestions. The enabled channels are the same ones that guarantee the project’s progress:
- The GitHub repository for bug reports and proposals.
- The Telegram users group for questions and solutions.
- The email info@exelearning.net.
In summary, eXeLearning 4.0.0 Beta represents a fundamental milestone. It is not a simple update, but a technical reinvention that translates into superior performance and a more professional set of tools. With the new file manager, image optimization, and advanced page control, the ability to create high-quality educational materials more efficiently is enhanced. The entire community is invited to explore these new features and contribute to making the final version as robust and useful as possible.