XML - Is the new mark-up language that some say may replace all others. It is the universal language of the mark- up languages! It is suggested to be a revolutionary product because it has the ability to share data across systems without prior knowledge. XML is the behind the scenes coding that catergorises data so it is more accurate, accessible and flexible.
What exactly is a learning Object? – The best way to describe it is a small chucnk of learning that can stand alone or be added to other learning objects to create a more extensive learning experience. With the E-Learning phenomenom booming organisations are seeking more flexible ways to deliver their leraning. The ability for learners to retrieve the “chunks of learning” that are relevant to them and complete in a way that is most suitable to the learner is highly appealing.
David Wiley defines a learning object in the following way “instructional designers can build small (relative to the size of an entire course) instructional components that can be reused a number of times in different learning contexts. Additionally, learning objects are generally understood to be digital entities deliverable over the Internet, meaning that any number of people can access and use them simultaneously.”
Why Learning Objects are such a Hot Topic
Learning objects have become a “hot” topic in recent years for two main reasons:
First, many educators see learning objects as a viable alternative to the traditional instructor-led course format. The problem with the “course” is that it is not very flexible and it is difficult to re-purpose. Learning objects stored in a database and properly tagged for easy searches, are designed specifically for flexibility and re-use.
Second, we now have the computing power and network infrastructure that we need to conveniently share and distribute learning objects between public institutions and private corporations.
Management products in a general sense are tools managers use to implement the daily operations of a business, essentially they help managers manage. In a technological sense Management Products have the same fuction, a Learner Management System (LMS) is a Management Product. It Basically Tracks a learners progress, like UTSonline.
An LMS is essentially just a database and can be useful to track a learners progress throughout the duration on an e-learning course. It can also record results and attendace of face to face training. Managers can also pull information from the database to get figures on % course complete and print reports stating the types of training that has been completed by which staff.
These types of managment products can be particularly useful for organisations who need to record and report on compliance training completed by their staff as well as managing e-learning courses conducted by the organistaion.
