Definition: E-learning standards are guidelines or specifications that define how e-learning content and systems should be designed and developed. They help to ensure that e-learning is accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
Benefits of E-Learning Standards
E-learning standards offer a number of benefits, including:
- Accessibility: E-learning standards can help to make e-learning more accessible to learners with disabilities. For example, the SCORM standard includes guidelines for creating e-learning content that is compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Interoperability: E-learning standards can help to make e-learning content and systems more interoperable. This means that e-learning content from one system can be used in another system without any problems. For example, the AICC standard defines a common interface between e-learning content and learning management systems (LMSs).
- Reusability: E-learning standards can help to make e-learning content more reusable. This means that e-learning content can be used in different contexts without having to be recreated from scratch. For example, the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) standard defines a way to create e-learning content that can be easily integrated into different learning management systems.
Examples of E-Learning Standards
Some of the most common e-learning standards include:
- SCORM: The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) standard is a set of technical specifications that define how e-learning content and systems should interact. SCORM is widely used in the e-learning industry, and is supported by most LMSs.
- AICC: The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC) standard is another set of technical specifications for e-learning content and systems. AICC is older than SCORM, but is still used by some organizations.
- IMS: The IMS Global Learning Consortium is a non-profit organization that develops and promotes e-learning standards. Some of the IMS standards include:
- Common Cartridge: A standard for packaging e-learning content.
- Question and Test Interoperability: A standard for exchanging assessment data between different systems.
- Learning Information Services: A standard for exchanging learner data between different systems.
MCQs and Answers
1. What is an e-learning standard?
(a) A guideline or specification that defines how e-learning content and systems should be designed and developed. (b) A set of rules that must be followed when creating e-learning content. (c) A way to ensure that e-learning is accessible, interoperable, and reusable. (d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
2. What are some of the benefits of e-learning standards?
(a) Accessibility (b) Interoperability (c) Reusability (d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
3. What are some examples of e-learning standards?
(a) SCORM (b) AICC (c) IMS Common Cartridge (d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
4. How can e-learning standards promote the development of high-quality e-learning?
(a) By providing developers with clear guidelines on how to create accessible, interoperable, and reusable e-learning content. (b) By making it easier for developers to share and reuse e-learning content. (c) By making it easier for learners to access e-learning content from different sources. (d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Conclusion
E-learning standards are important because they help to ensure that e-learning is accessible, interoperable, and reusable. This makes e-learning more effective and efficient for both learners and developers.