|
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.
~~~~~~ 2011 ~~~~~~
July 2011
The academicians have been debating the pros and cons
of using the handheld devices as a tool for learning. However, it
wasn't until 2010 that we saw a device that had enough screen space,
and that was light enough to be truly considered a mobile learning
tool. This was the iPad. Check out this site at: http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/1-to-1-learning-success
to explore how iPad can be used for imparting learning.
June 2011
Which technology dominates the eLearning scene this
year? Read about the "Learning Technology Trends To Watch In
2011" at http://theelearningcoach.com/elearning2-0/2011-learning-technology-trends/
May 2011
elearning 2.0 or learning through sharing and collaboration,
is the in-thing today. The question is, what's driving it? Read
about the long tail learner at Karen Greenwood Henke's site: http://www.longtaillearners.com/
April 2011
“Are you ready for mobile learning” By
Joseph Rene Corbeil and Maria Elena Valdes-Corbeil at: http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/
EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/AreYouReadyforMobileLearning/157455
discusses the instructional uses that different mobile devices can
be put to. Scroll down the page to read about the pedagogical implications
of these devices.
March 2011
The last two years have brought about another revolution
in technology. It's being called the "Touch" Revolution.
Doctor Sam Hurst invented the first touch-sensing device in 1971.
However, touch screen technology remained elusive for most people
until about three years ago when in 2007, Apple launched iPhone
Touch. The small screen of the iPhone wasn't all that conducive
to reading and browsing... and so in 2009, iPad was launched. The
screen-size of the iPad was comfortable for reading, interacting,
browsing, and even typing. With a virtual keyboard and its ability
to respond to a variety of touch commands, iPad has revolutionized
the way of people access information. With other similar devices
from Samsung, Blackberry, and other hardware manufacturers hitting
the market in a short span of time, we can now confidently welcome
mobile learning as a preferred option.
If are beginning to feel the “touch” read about the
different tablets in the market at: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/ipad-competitors-the-top-20-to-watch-updated/40736
Also read this interesting article about the future of iPad: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/02/ipad-future/
February 2011
If you work with an eLearning organization, you've
heard the term SCORM and you've possibly not bothered with it thinking
that it was something for the programmers to concern themselves
with. SCORM or Sharable Content Object Reference model is a set
of guidelines compiled by ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) which
when adhered to makes your content interoperable and sharable. This
reduces the development costs and also helps you move your content
from one LMS to another without incurring huge costs.
Read about the business of SCORM at: http://scorm.com/scorm-explained/business-of-scorm/
January 2011
"Educational technology involves applying ideas
from various sources to create the best learning environments possible
for students." Read "Teaching with Technology" by
Simon Hooper and Lloyd P. Rieber at: http://www.nowhereroad.com/twt/
to explore this idea further.
~~~~~~ 2010 ~~~~~~
December 2010
We've talked about eLearning 2.0 in the earlier editions
of this Newsletter. Read more about it at: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/e-learning_20.php
November 2010
"Constructing on Constructivism: The Role of
Technology written by Aloka Nanjappa and Michael M. Grant, but it
addresses the role of technology from different perspectives. I
suggest the link http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume2No1/nanjappa.htm
especially to the academically inclined.
October 2010
The software, the hardware, and the learning content
that's provided through such hardware and software - are together
called the educational technology. In the late 1900s educational
technology was limited to computers but now mobiles and other handheld
devices are fast becoming the face of learning. Read about m-learning
at: http://www.grayharriman.com/mlearning.htm
and http://www.m-learning.org/
September 2010
Technology is invading our classrooms, and this invasion
is just beginning. Is it going to really help the learners or does
it have an underside that's been ignored completely?
Read "Technology in Education" at http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/front_tech.htm
August 2010
Let us once again look at a Learning Management System.
Can you define it? If you can define it, can you explain it? If
you can explain it, can you use it? What's your skill level?! Here
are a couple of links that could help you become comfortable with
it.
You can find a short summary of what a learning management system
is all about at: http://www.trainingforce.com/content/what_is_a_lms.aspx
Here's the ASTD link to give you an overview: http://www.astd.org/LC/2009/0509_LMS2009.htm
July 2010
eLearning has come into our classrooms, and it plans
to stay. What does it imply for our schools? "Managing e-Learning:
What are the Real Implications for Schools?" a paper by Helen
Boulton discusses the pros and cons of this development. Find the
pdf at: http://www.ejel.org/Volume-6/v6-i1/Boulton.pdf
June 2010
Content Management is an everyday reality these days.
Almost every organization can boast of a Learning Management System,
complete with an authoring environment. The definition of an LMS
(courtesy: Wikipedia) is: "a software application for the administration,
documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom
and online events, e-learning programs, and training content."
If you are battling with the task of selecting an LMS, click http://www.bersinassociates.com/free_research/tips_selecting_lms.pdf
to read a useful article (a six-page pdf) from Bersin Associates.
May 2010
“How Does Technology Facilitate Learning?”
by D. Jonassen, J. Howland, R.M. Marra, D. Crismond takes you through
the growth of technology as a vehicle for learning.
Click http://www.education.com/reference/article/how-does-technology-facilitate-learning/
to reach the first page of this comprehensive article.
April 2010
I was curious to see how Twitter could help in the
learning domain. If you follow my Blog, you've probably noticed
that I haven't been a good tweeter at all. My quest resulted in
the following two links, which I think could be of interest to you
as well.
1."Twitter as a learning tool for teachers"
by Bill Ferriter at: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6560
2."Nine great reasons why teachers should use witter"
by Laura Walker at: http://mrslwalker.com/index.php/2009/03/29/nine-great-reasons-why-teachers-should-use-twitter/
March 2010
Technology-assisted learning is making inroads into
the Indian educational system, and some eLearning organizations
have teams of instructional designers working on such projects.
Is it truly a great idea to use technology to assist classroom-learning
experiences? What are the pitfalls of technology-assisted learning
and how can they be avoided?
"Avoiding the pitfalls of technology-assisted learning"
at http://www.idea.org/page144.html
is a thought-provoking review of technology-assisted learning.
February 2010
Read Knowledge Management in Instructional Design
at http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/design.htm
This article (published in 2002) helps you understand the relationship
between instructional design and knowledge management in organizations.
This article first defines instructional design, and then explains
knowledge management, to finally establish the importance of the
role that KM plays in making instructional design robust and effective.
January 2010
"Using Technology as a Learning Tool, Not Just
the Cool New Thing" by Ben McNeely at http://www.educause.edu/Resources/EducatingtheNetGeneration/UsingTechnologyasaLearningTool/6060
is a thought-provoking article, which makes us wonder whether we
truly use technology as a learning tool. Among many other Net Gen
characteristics pointed out by him, there's one that has a far-reaching
implication for developers - "the Net Generation should learn
better through Internet courses because they have been surrounded
by computers all their lives and know how to use the technology
already."
(How often we are blind to things that we see all the time?)
~~~~~~ 2009 ~~~~~~
December 2009
The growing use of technology in classrooms deserves a closer look.
Are the wired classrooms making the learning experience better for
the young learner? When a teacher uses lesson plans and e-Content
created by someone else, and tries to harness the attention of her
students - does she truly succeed?
"The WIRED Classroom - Creating Technology Enhanced Student-Centered
Learning Environments" by Jamie McKenzie at http://www.fromnowon.org/mar98/flotilla.html
is an interesting take on this issue. But then, there's the other
side, the brighter one, too.
Click http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
to read "Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students",
which brings out the positive impact of using technology in classrooms.
You decide - which side of the divide are you on?
November 2009
mLearning or Mobile Learning is still awaiting its admirers to
offer some theories and models that it could call its own.
At http://www.mlearn.org.za/CD/papers/Barker.pdf
read "A Proposed Theoretical Model for M-Learning Adoption
in Developing Countries" by Barker, Krull, and Mallinson. What
I found interesting were the critical success factors listed in
the model.
Also read "MLearning: pedagogical, technical and organisational
hypes and realities" at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/ViewContentServlet?
Filename=Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Articles/1650240202.html
October 2009
At http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/dede1.htm
you can read about the implications that the new media (Internet)
would have on K-12 education. The paper states that, "By 2015,
at least four new forms of expression will shape the emergence of
distributed learning as American schools' primary pedagogical model"
and lists the four forms as: Knowledge Webs, Virtual Communities,
Synthetic Environments, and Sensory Immersion.
September 2009
Clive Shepherd's video "Welcome to the Virtual Classroom"
at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUdfE19s4wU
is a useful lecture that introduces the virtues of the virtual classrooms
and what makes a good virtual classroom trainer.
August 2009
Technology's Impact on Learning at http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/tiol.html
is a comprehensive article that discusses the impact that technology
has on the learner's efficiency, and then goes on to discuss the
ACOT (Apple Classroom of Tomorrow) project. Though this article
is somewhat old, but it helps us understand the constraints that
we face in our country today. The ACOT project results established
that the age-old rule of practice-makes-perfect stays true even
for the application of technology in learning.
This article also lists and explains Howard Gardner's concept of
multiple intelligences from the viewpoint of a technologically-enabled
learning environment.
July 2009
The implementation of eLearning often finds us grappling with the
question - Should technology define the manner in which learning
should be transferred or should learning lead technology? Read "How
Will You Use Technology to Support Your Vision of Learning?"
at http://www.ncrtec.org/capacity/guidewww/howwill.htm.
June 2009
The questions that Professor Jack Meecham raises in "Questioning
the Best Learning Technology" http://ctl.stanford.edu/Tomprof/postings/781.html
touched my heart.
My experience with technology in learning mirrors his. I too don't
believe in making the learners cognitively lethargic through the
use of technology. If you too believe that your sessions should
be interactive, and that they should "push them to think critically
and, ultimately, to learn" (as Professor Meecham says,) then
click the above link.
May 2009
It is a good idea to keep yourself abreast of the important developments
in the field of eLearning technology. One such development is the
patent row between Blackboard and Desire2Learn. Read about Blackboard's
"victory" on D2L at http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/02/25/2345211
and then on the same page, read about how Blackboard fell flat on
its face when all its 44 patent claims were invalidated by USPTO
on March 29, 2008.
Next Blackboard went ahead and requested a reexamination adding
13 more claims. All 57 claims were rejected by the US Patent and
Trademark Office in the April of 2009! Read the story at http://mfeldstein.com/blackboard-patent-invalidated-again/
The third (and final) re-examination of the claims is due at the
end of May. If this too goes the same way, it would be victory for
Desire2Learn and also a victory for the love of customer over the
love of money.
April 2009
At Jane Hart's blog, click http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/handbook/sociallearning.html
to read about eLearning 2.0.
eLearning 2.0 hasn't yet been properly defined, but this article
gives you a fair idea of what it is all about. Understanding how
the social web interaction concepts could be coupled with learning
isn't easy. It takes a while to sink in. If you aren't comfortable
with the 2.0 stuff, roll your sleeves up for some serious reading.
March 2009
I am sure that you've all heard of Kindle - the eBook Reader from
Google. Though we still can't use Kindle in India, it's important
that we recognize the importance of eBooks as one of the important
learning mediums of tomorrow. Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-book
to understand this medium and gain an overview of its strengths
and weaknesses.
February 2009
At http://radicalpedagogy.icaap.org/content/issue1_2/02kanuka1_2.html
you will find a paper titled, "Using Constructivism in Technology-Mediated
Learning: Constructing Order out of the Chaos in the Literature"
by Heather Kanuka and Terry Anderson.
This paper discusses the importance of enhancing the learning process
and its outcome, by shifting our conceptual base from instructivism
(which focuses on meeting pre-defined learning objectives through
a set of methods) to constructivism (which states that the process
of learning should be designed by first reviewing the learner's
prior experiences and analyzing how the learner constructs his or
her new knowledge.) It then reviews the possibility of using technology-mediation
for enabling learning that is grounded in the constructivist principles.
January 2009
As corporate India tries to find new ways to beat recession, they
would find an ally in technology-based learning. However, one of
the important analyses that such organizations would need to do
is - determining the learner's readiness status for eLearning. The
technology profile tool at http://www.ncrtec.org/capacity/profile/profwww.htm
is a good indicator of what should be considered before rolling
out eLearning as an alternate training method.
~~~~~~ 2008 ~~~~~~
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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