Knowledge Suite IMS Interoperability Partnership
To demonstrate interoperability of content with Virtual Learning Environments. Two aspects of interoperability were covered. The first was concerned with the delivery of learning objects that were produced by a content production tool (Thanet College/ DUP provision) and the second concerned the delivery of learning material ‘packaged’ from a range of content Objects.
Executive Summary
The principal findings from the project were as follows:
Content Packaging
The project demonstrated that learning content could be packaged to IMS specification at different levels: a simple re-usable learning object formed from digital components in addition to a collection of such objects with user-created navigation. It also demonstrated that learning objects created using development tools also conformed.
Content Management.
Navigation and structure of packaged content was shown to be maintained when used with a range of tools (CELT’s Package IT and IMS Package Builder from Edinburgh) and the Xtensis VLE. Content interoperability tools from other vendors (Blackboard, WebCT etc) have not been released in the UK but are at worst being Beta tested in America. Features such as student tracking and bookmarking were not addressed but would be feasible given further specifications
Metadata
Metadata (IMS Metadata v1.1) could be successfully integrated with both levels of content (digital components and assemblies). The metadata could be successfully used to retrieve both levels of content.
Question and Test Interoperability
Tests that were created from specifications compliant content and templates could be packaged with other content and played through a Virtual Learning Environment. The framework for scores recording was not tested.
Impact on Standards
The project raised the profile of standards application to learning content and tests.
Prior to the project interoperability of content dealt only with html (web based) material. The role of content management and packaging were not addressed. Learning material was commissioned at course level with closed navigation, tracking and testing facilities. The opportunities for customisation of much commercial material were historically neglected. The Xtensis system’s design around standards compliance has successfully shown that a VLE can successfully demonstrate specifications implementation that facilitate customisation of content.
Impact on Courseware Development
The project showed that an understanding of re-use opportunities, focus on design and associated staff development was crucial for tutors engaging in the course production process. Overall it demonstrated a need for a change of culture within teaching staff to fully exploit the opportunities of assembly and re-use of learning materials
Impact on Further and Higher Education
The project has been a focus of content standards application within the sector. Tools from the project have been use to test standards compliance of NLN content, have provide the repository for the ICONEX (Interactive Content Exchange: Hull University) and will be employed as the interoperability demonstrator for the JISC/ CETIS FE Focus Group. This latter application will link with content developments in HE brokered by partners in other HE driven (JISC/CETIS) standards groups. Presentations at conferences concerning the project have raised the profile both of standards and the pedagogic benefits that standards implementation can bring. The project has demonstrated that standards compliance underpins the opportunity to develop cross-sectoral content repositories.