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Content Creation Technologies |
Content
Management Technologies
Resources -Learning Content Management Technologies
Following are some great links for Learning Content Management
Technologies. A short introduction to this section will help you
understand the classification "Learning Content Management
Technologies" and make your experience here more worthwhile.
eLearning content, in the past has followed the path of knowledge
management, which has prevailed in the business world for more than
twenty years. Learning content management systems are systems that
help the remotely located learner, learn in a well-"managed"
classroom like environment over the net. There are many learning
management system providers in the world (22 big players, according
to a recent study) who create such systems and sell them to colleges,
universities, and online institutes.
Along with the streamlining of learning through management systems,
some guidelines that help in making the content more accessible,
usable, and sharable will also find mention in this section.
In other words, this section provides a general understanding of
the eLearning scenario from the content management angle. We feel
that the links that feature here should engage the interest of all
eLearning professionals - we all take part in the process of creating
content for such systems, and this knowledge will help us make our
creations more relevant.
December 2008
Have you ever screamed at your computer screen when the spell-checker
gave you a go-ahead despite your expectation becoming an exception,
and your files having become flies! If the "Context-Sensitive
Spelling Correction" system becomes a reality, those screams
and gasps would become a thing of past. Click http://www.merl.com/projects/spelling/
to read about this project. Click http://www.merl.com/projects/
to read about other interesting ongoing projects at Mitsubishi Electric
Research Laboratories.
November 2008
Click http://learning.media.mit.edu/learninghub.html
for an overview of the future of learning.
An interesting viewpoint on m-learning and the progression from
eLearning to m-learning is available at: http://learning.ericsson.net/mlearning2/project_one/thebook/chapter1.html.
This write up reviews the evolution of learning technologies and
focuses on the m-Learning revolution. It also identifies the possibilities
of learning through the use of this new medium.
October 2008
If you are testing the eLearning waters, then http://www.ucl.ac.uk/learningtechnology/examples/
can provide you a quick orientation of the different technologies
used in eLearning.
September 2008
This month, let's take a break from learning technologies and check
out the lighter side of technology.
Technology often awes the instructional designer. It awes me for
sure. Programmers often appear to be geeks and around the instructional
designers they speak Geekamese; all this makes an ID think that
Programmers and Programming descended upon earth from the far away
Pluto (or Geeko, if you please.)
But seriously speaking, if you own a website or a blog, you are
sufficiently technology-enabled. http://miniajax.com/
provides you some interesting code-pieces to enhance the functionality
of your web pages. Then invite the Geeks over!
August 2008
I think this is the best technology-link that I ever added to this
section. Click http://www.educause.edu
to learn about the technologies of the future. What I like about
this site is their "7 Things You should Know About Series."
A good example of this series could be found somewhere in the center
of the screen on their home page (7 Things You Should Know About
Wii). If you've heard of Video Games Technology being used in learning,
this should definitely interest you.
By the way, if Wii has raised your eyebrows, clicking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii
would help.
July 2008
I am sure that some of you must've given a great deal of thought
to blogging as a learning process. If you haven't, and if you intend
to keep pace with the fast-changing learning space of today, you
should give some serious thought to the potential of blogging.
Here are a couple of links to start you off.
Read "eLearning 2.0" at http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=articles&article=29-1
and go through "e-learning 2.0 - how Web technologies are shaping
education" at http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/e-learning_20.php
June 2008
Technology-enhanced learning or TEL is in effect, learning imparted
in a better manner through the support of a technology. If you are
interested in determining how technology impacts learning effectiveness,
click http://www.usc.edu/its/tel/teach/glossary.php
for a list of terminology associated with TEL.
May 2008
"Learning Management Systems: The wrong place to start learning"
by George Siemens is a balanced view on Learning Management Systems.
This article available at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/lms.htm
introduces us to the pitfalls of giving too much importance to LMSs.
The article lists some prominent drawbacks to the use of LMSs.
True to his crisp and direct style, George Siemens provides a list
of the characteristics that define an effective eLearning environment.
Though I am not completely in agreement with the point that managed
learning is not in harmony with the new learner's style of learning,
I agree with the central idea of the article, which is that learning
shouldn't be structured around the LMS; it should be designed around
the learner. LMSs are but tools and they should remain so.
April 2008
“Are You Ready for E-Learning?” by Samantha Chapnick
is an interesting and highly useful article for the Training Managers
of organizations that are currently evaluating the viability of
eLearning. Click http://www.learningcircuits.org/2000/nov2000/Chapnick.htm
to read this smart and compact article. Ms. Chapnick classifies
eLearning readiness into different readiness types, which apply
to different stakeholders in different measures.
March 2008
"eLearning Technology: Do you Want an LMS? Does a Learner
Want an LMS?" is an excellent, thought-provoking post on Tony
Karrer's blog. Karrer comments, "folks who are in the Personal
Learning Environment (PLE) space have a much better idea of what
will come next". He also feels that PLEs could lead to more
meaningful learning than LMSs.
I think that when learning management systems become overly complex
(the competition between the LMS providers is resulting in newer
features with every version,) the learner develops an aversion for
learning. The cognitive load theory explains this through the concept
of extraneous load.
I recommend that you click http://elearningtech.blogspot.com/2006/07/do-you-want-lms-does-learner-want-lms.html
to read this post, and form your own opinion about complex learning
management systems.
February 2008
At http://llt.msu.edu/vol12num1/net/default.html
you will find an interesting article titled, "ON THE NET -
You’ve Got some GALL: Google-Assisted Language Learning".
This article discusses how Internet has transformed our language.
This article also discusses the use of Google as a learning tool.
Also check out, "7 Things You Should Know About..." at
http://www.educause.edu/7ThingsYouShouldKnowAboutSeries/7495
On this page, you will also find information on some great websites,
applications, and blogs. I think that this page opens a small information
portal for all those who would like to learn more about the Internet
terminology.
January 2008
If you've missed the 1-Day SCORM workshop that Wavelength conducted
last year; here's a link that can help you with a swift overview
of SCORM for eLearning instructional designers. "Emerging Technologies
Learning Objects: Scorn or SCORM?" is a slightly old but interesting
article, which can help you become comfortable with SCORM at a conceptual
level. Click http://llt.msu.edu/vol8num2/emerging/default.html
to read it.
The article begins with a short history of SCORM, then goes on
to describe the issues in SCORM (including those related with sequencing
of content, which is taken care of in SCORM 1.3). This page also
provides a list of resources. Some of these links may not work,
but they are worth a try.
~~~~~~ 2007 ~~~~~~
December 2007
If you know about the Blackboard-D2L scuffle then the article "DISTANCE
LEARNING AT NJIT: THE UNIVERSITY THAT HOLDS THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM®
TRADEMARK" would interest you. The virtual classroom in use
at NJIT used many of the features that Blackboard sued D2L for incorporating
in its LMS.
The good news from the battlefront is that the judges dismissed
the first 35 claims made by Blackboard, about two months ago. Read
this very old press release at http://www.njit.edu/v2/News/Releases/3328.html
and wonder about prior-art! Those who are interested in the details
of the BB/D2L case would find the exhibits at http://www.desire2learn.com/patent/files.html
enlightening.
November 2007
- For all those who are still grappling with the multi-function
systems called LCMSs and wondering about their how & whys,
here is beautifully written article, "Making the case for
content" by Clive Shepherd.
This article, which can be read at
http://www.fastrak-consulting.co.uk/tactix/features/lcms.htm,
introduces you to the LCMS, tells you what it does, and then walks
you through two case studies.
Speaking of LCMSs, I do agree that they result in cost-effectiveness
and that often re-creation of the content is unnecessary. On the
other hand, I've personally witnessed the enthusiasm that is generated
by inter-connected, thematic, and of course non-reusable content,
and I remain a passionate subscriber of customized content. At
the most, I would vouch for selective, manually modified, audience-specific
reusability.
I do agree with the usefulness of the LCMSs in presenting completely
procedural content to the expert learner, who logs into the system,
learns what is required, and turns back to the floor for application.
For higher level learning, the cost of customized content is a
small price to pay for a motivated learner!
October 2007
- "The DNA of eLearning" is an extremely informative
whitepaper written by Jay Cross and Ian Hamilton. You can find
this whitepaper at http://www.internettime.com/Learning/articles/DNA.pdf.
This whitepaper traces the evolutionary path of eLearning. If
you wish to have a complete overview of eLearning in terms of
technology, management, costs, and logistics...you should click
the link given above.
- Another article that you may want to look at is, "Creating
Your eLearning Strategy" available at http://www.e-learningguru.com/wpapers/create_strategy.pdf.
As an eLearning manager, you will often be consulted for determining
the right eLearning development and implementation strategy. This
whitepaper shall give you a complete overview of what all should
be considered when you think of implementing eLearning.
September 2007
- If you've just entered the eLearning industry, you may still
be struggling to find a foothold in the treacherous, ever-shifting
sands of the eLearning terminology. The terminology continues
to grow and it continues to change. For example, a virtual classroom
is not the same as an online course, and an online course is not
the same as a WBT! The vastness and the newness of eLearning is
enough to make even the seasoned professionals wonder - Are we
keeping up? Nevertheless, here's a link that will introduce you
to virtual classroom and inspire you to differentiate it from
online courses and WBTs.
Click http://www.learningcircuits.org/2003/oct2003/maiden.htm
to read this article.
- Another article, "Who owns the online content that your
teachers create?" by Mary Axelson at http://www.electronic-school.com/2001/06/0601ip.html,
held my attention. The content that teachers create is being bought
by some organizations. This article should interest the academicians.
August 2007
- According to an IDC report, the global mobile learner population
is expected to cross 850 million by 2009 (just two years from
now). That is a staggering figure.
To become better acquainted with the mobile learning scenario,
click http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM0532.pdf
to read "Enabling Mobile Learning."
July 2007
- http://www.learningcircuits.org/2003/sep2003/singh.htm
provides a comprehensive overview of mobile learning in "Leveraging
Mobile and Wireless Internet". The section, "Going mobile—a
paradigm shift" is especially interesting.
June 2007
The eLearning environment is changing and it is changing fast.
Let us stop and take a closer look at the change - a change that
may require us to completely refurbish the mode of online content
delivery.
- If you've been flummoxed by the off-hand use of the term web
2.0 by those who appear to be technically superior, http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
is the link for you. This link explains web 2.0 and how it differs
from web 1.0. As web 2.0 is a term that was first used by O'Reilly
about 2 years ago, this probably is the best source to develop
an understanding of this term. What really catches your attention
is the table that lists the differences between the two versions
of the web! Ahem!
- After building your foundations, you may want to take your
understanding of web 2.0 further by clicking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2
and scrolling down to the section, "Characteristics of "Web
2.0"" and then to the section, "Innovations associated
with "Web 2.0""
May 2007
- Virtual Classrooms! All of us have heard about them but most
of us haven't experienced their implementation first-hand. Click
http://www.learningcircuits.org/2003/oct2003/maiden.htm
for a comprehensive article "Virtual Classroom Starter Guide"
by Bob Maiden. This article outlines the features of virtual classrooms
and discusses different perspectives on VCs. This article gives
you a complete overview of virtual classrooms from the viewpoints
of the learner, the instructor, the facilitator, the content developer,
as well as the project manager.
April 2007
- While there is a continuous movement (and enough controversy)
about the LMS providers trying to patent and control the LMS technology,
educationists are experiencing a need to modify the LMSs to suit
their requirements. This need often cannot be fulfilled in absence
of the source-code to the LMS, which remains with the LMS developers.
Thus the reliance of the academia over eLearning as a medium leads
them into a tricky situation, where they are not able to use the
learning management systems to its full advantage.
Click http://campustechnology.com/articles/39682_1/
to read the article "The Future of eLearning in Learning
Management Systems" by Samuel G. Scalise. This article written
in very simple but interesting manner, illustrates the dilemma
that educationists face while using proprietary learning management
systems.
March 2007
- Click http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=163920&d=680&h=608&f=626&dateformat=%25e-%25h-%25y
for an interesting Q&A session where David Wilson answers
some oft-asked questions on the future of eLearning. I specially
recommend the section on rapid eLearning. I am in complete agreement
with Mr. Wilson's views on this topic.
- Another link that I would recommend to those who like to be
near a crystal ball is http://incsub.org/blog/?p=202
which presents "Un-Managing Learning Management Systems -
A possible future for online learning". This article discusses
OLE (Online Learning Environments, which are primarily composed
of Blogs) and reviews the possibilities that they have to offer.
February 2007
- The link http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061130/nyth100.html?.v=72
provides us a glimpse into the future of the D2L-Blackboard battle,
while telling the eLearning new-comers about Sakai, Moodle, and
ATutor.
- If you haven't been following the D2L-Blackboard war closely,
click http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2006-08-27-blackboard-dispute_x.htm?POE=TECISVA
to read a crisp article about it.
December 2006
- These days many organizations are experimenting with free learning
management systems...but even among the free, what should you
select? The article "Online classrooms for FREE?!
A Review of Free Online Learning Management Systems (LMS)"
at http://www-writing.berkeley.edu/TESL-EJ/ej26/m2.html
identifies two different possibilities that exist for free hosting
of courses and details the features of different FREE learning
management systems.
- For those who are interested in the evolution of the Virtual
Learning Environment, the wikipedia article "History of virtual
learning environments" is an excellent advance organizer.
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments
to read this article.
November 2006
- "LMS and LCMS demystified" is short summary of the
differences between Learning Management Systems and Learning Content
Management Systems. If you are a project manager or an instructional
designer who wonders about the magnitude of difference that the
"C" makes, do click http://www.brandon-hall.com/free_resources/lms_and_lcms.shtml
for a short and crisp comparison of the two.
- A more detailed analysis of the two can be found at http://www.learningcircuits.org/2002/dec2002/greenberg.htm
October 2006
- I recently came across an article in one of the leading national
English dailies, which denounced blogs completely and thoroughly.
I think the link http://www.mcgeesmusings.net/2003/05/13.html#a3220
provides a good insight into the positive aspects of blogs and
how they connect to learning. This web page also lists links to
some good eLearning-related blogs.
- I specifically liked "Blogs in Business: The Weblog as
Filing Cabinet" a blog-post by Dave Pollard at http://blogs.salon.com/0002007/2003/03/03.html#a101
Happy reading and happier blogging!
September 2006
If you've wondered about the patent row between BlackBoard and
Desire2learn and want to get to the bottom of it...
- Begin your exploration with http://www.brandon-hall.com/free_resources/lms_and_lcms.shtml
to understand what LMSs are all about.
- Also checkout http://www.prescientdigital.com/Prescient_Research/Articles/
Learning_Articles/Understanding_Learning_Management_Systems.htm
for a good understanding of LMSs and LCMSs.
- Now click http://www.p2pnet.net/story/9576
for the story. To develop a clearer understanding of the issue,
also look at the 44 claims in simple English at
http://noedupatents.org/wiki/index.php?
title=Blackboard%E2%80%99s_US_patent_6%2C988%2C138
These links will help you get an eyeful of the controversy
that is reigning supreme in the eLearning literati circles these
days.
August 2006
- Accessibility is fast becoming a necessary feature of the
courses that are developed for the western market. If you have
some time to spare, go through the accessibility guidelines
provided at http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/full-checklist.
It will provide you a preliminary orientation towards their
intent and developmental implications.
- If you see the mention of section 508 popping up at various
eLearning sites, intra-office conversations, and official circulars,
and you wish to resolve the mystery of 508, once and for all
- click http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=3
to find out what the law states, straight from the lawmaker's
mouth (well, the lawmaker's site!)
July 2006
- In the article, “Learning Management Systems: The wrong
place to start learning," available at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/lms.htm,
George Siemens discusses the drawbacks of using learning management
systems to impart learning. He notes that while using learning
management systems we often use "statistics of "students
enrolled in our LMS" and "number of page views by
students" as an indication of success/progress." as
parameters to judge the success of a learning program or course.
This shifts the focus from learning to technology.
June 2006
- Instructional Design should pave the way for learning technologies.
I am not sure who led whom in the case of tegrity pens, but
the concept (and its application) is enchanting! Click the link
http://www.tegrity.com/tegrity_notes.php
to read about a pen that allows you to capture time. The pdf
available at http://www.tegrity.com/Articles/
Tegrity_The%20Chronicle%20of%20Higher%20Education_22406.pdf
provides an interesting insight into the way the tegrity
pen allows students to capture each moment of a classroom lecture,
enhanced with their own notes.
May 2006
- What is "Accessibility Compliance"? What is a "Digital
Asset"? What is "Synchronous Learning"? These
and almost all other eLearning terms that puzzle eLearning professionals
from time to time; are defined at http://educ3.utsa.edu/pmcgee/nlii/glossary/.
This fantastic page is a must-add-to-favorites!
April 2006
- For those who are involved in the task of determining the
right LMS to use, the article "A day in the life of a learning
management system" by Clive Shepherd, at http://www.fastrak-consulting.co.uk/tactix/features/lms/lms.htm
could prove to be useful. This article likens the requirements
from a learning management system to the stages of the learning
process or the hours in the day. Although the metaphor is somewhat
abstract…yet the content is quite clear. At the end this
article also provides you links to the websites of many LMSs
and portals.
March 2006
- If you've worked on accessible courses, you must've wondered
why accessibility is such a big deal. The article "Accessibility:
What You Should Know" By Jennifer J. Salopek at http://www.learningcircuits.org/2001/oct2001/salopek.html,
is an excellent primer to put you in the right frame of mind
while working on eLearning course material. It will make you
feel happy and proud to be working on courses that will have
a wider reach.
February 2006
- If you are a technology team leader or project leader, you
must have encountered situations when you are called to join
a client conference and give recommendations on which LMS the
client should use. Click on http://www.edutools.info/static.jsp?pj=8&page=HOWTO#compare
to compare the characteristics of around 50 learning management
systems, including different versions of Blackboard and WebCT.
I think this gem should go right into your favorite of favorites
list.
- The new buzzword is VLE or Virtual Learning Environment;
the question is, what it is? Find out by clicking on http://tecfa.unige.ch/tecfa/publicat/dil-papers-2/Dil.7.5.18.pdf.
You can also click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managed_learning_environment
for a threadbare definition of VLE. If you scroll down this
page, you will find a list of facilities that a system should
provide in order to qualify as VLE.
January 2006
- I don't know whether this link should be included in the
content management or the content creation section. I choose
content management section as I feel future trends and corresponding
risks are to be projected and managed!
Well, the link is http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2005_Horizon_Report.pdf.
The New Media Consortium has published this report, which outlines
four areas that will gain importance in the next 4-5 years.
Some of the important trends identified in this report are:
ubiquitous wireless-ness, intelligent searching, and educational
gaming. This report explores the changes that these trends will
bring about in learning methods. I suggest that you download
the pdf to your system, print it, and read through it! The information
can make you the most sought after person for a while (Is it
really an incentive?)
- "Learning Management Systems: The wrong place to start
learning" by George Siemens can be read at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/lms.htm.
I liked this article because it brings in the perspective of
learning into what has become mainly a part of the technological
domain (featuring this link in the technology section proves
this point.) The article begins by listing the drawbacks of
an LMS, then it moves on to what the additional characteristics
can make LMSs more desirable; it then lists the characteristics
of an ideal learning environment. Read this article to know
learning management systems better.
~~~~~~ 2005 ~~~~~~
December 2005
- The article "Content Management: Our Organized Future"
at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/contentmanagement.htm
by George Siemens is a simple, straight forward article that
first defines content management as "a concept, process,
function, and a strategy." The article then lists the different
stages in content management and its benefits. After setting
the conceptual stage, the author drills into the features and
functions of content management systems. I find it a highly
organized and useful article.
- eLearning content writers as well as programmers are impacted
by the growth of CMSs and LMSs. It is natural for them to be
curious about the direction content management will take in
future. This detailed article lists the different areas of content
management that will be most influenced in the future. Click
on http://www.gdsinternational.com/infocentre/artsum.asp?
mag=168&iss=%20141&art=25405&lang=en to read
"The Future of Content Management."
November 2005
- Whether you work within the eLearning industry or without,
as a web-programmer you may need to deliver the complete web-enabled
package to your client. Web optimization of content is one of
the tricky issues that web-programmers have to face. Worry not,
for Google has decided to give you all the answers. Obviously
the answers are not direct, but if you read between the lines
of the patent they filed recently, you will find what you need
to know. Darren Yates helps you figure it all out in his article
"Great Site Ranking in Google The Secret's Out," which
is available by clicking on: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-10-2005-71368.asp
- Do you know how a Learning Management System (LMS) is different
from a Learning Content Management System (LCMS)? If you don’t,
then the article “LMS and LCMS: What's the Difference?”
by Leonard Greenberg, promises that you are not alone. What
is more important however, is the fact that this article does
tell you about the differences. Not only that, it also explains
how LMSs may be integrated with LCMSs. I strongly recommend
that you click on http://www.learningcircuits.org/2002/dec2002/greenberg.htm
to read this simple and effective article.
October 2005
- If you are new to eLearning, you are probably new to the technologies
that eLearning employs to meet its objectives. Click on
http://www.portalsmag.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=5629
to read "The ABCs of elearning" by Robert P. Lipschutz,
who gently introduces and builds the subject through this interesting
article.
- The path from Instructional Design to eLearning is paved with
technology. The article, "Capturing requirements for e-learning
systems design" at
http://cep.upc.es/Publicaciones/CAES2001/paperNuria.htm
introduces the paradigm of designing instruction for eLearning.
- To read about the "Emerging Technology Trends in eLearning,"
click on http://www.linezine.com/2.1/features/ewette.htm.
This article by Dr. Ellen D.Wagner, gives a complete overview
of different components of eLearning technology, while exploring
the direction that eLearning is expected to take in future.
Content
Creation Technologies | Content
Management Technologies
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