JISC

The over-arching goals for the Distributed e-Learning (DeL) programme are to facilitate lifelong learning, enhance learner experience and support the widening participation agenda. These goals are predicated on the availability of accurate and relevant information about opportunities for learners.
However, the sheer volume of programmes available and the range of disparate individuals who might usefully require or impart information about them means that HE and FE institutions face significant logistical, cultural and structural challenges in ensuring that programmes as they are advertised match programmes as they are approved and delivered. It is imperative to provide definitive specifications that describe accurately the learning opportunities that will be offered in particular locations at particular times. XCRI will be working with institutions and key partners, such as UCAS, to produce a definitive, standards-based XML description that can be transformed as necessary to satisfy the needs of different audiences.

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of XCRI is to define a vocabulary and appropriate technology bindings (e.g. XML, RDF) for describing course-related information that encompasses course marketing, course quality assurance, enrolment and reporting requirements.

Key objectives within the project plan include:

• Reviewing existing specifications to devise a candidate schema
• Developing use-cases and reviewing existing practice across the UK
• Prototyping web services for accessing course-related information based on the agreed schema
• Collating tools for extracting XML from quality assurance documentation