Transcript Document 7755427

A British Standard for Interoperability between
Curricula, Syllabi and Competency Maps
Patrick Towell, Chief Executive - Simulacra Media, Vice Chair IST/43
E: [email protected]
Ian Huckvale, Analyst – e-Government & Learning - Simulacra Media
E: [email protected]
t: 020 7613 4600
David Keech, Secretary – IST/43
E: [email protected]
The current situation
• National and international educational metadata systems are
being developed by standards organisations and industry
consortia
• Localised implementations of these metadata systems are being
deployed within the UK to allow resources and learner
information to be connected to curricula, syllabi and competency
maps.
• Current projects include DFES’ Curriculum Online, UFi’s
Learndirect, NGfL Scotland, and DENI’s Classroom 2000
• It is difficult to share information and map equivalences across
projects as the metadata systems are not interoperable
Who benefits?
•
Software vendors can reduce development overhead and maximise
reusability of software tools
•
Learning content owners enable new markets for their products and
services
•
Awarding/Assessment bodies can map equivalences between
qualifications, give accreditation for prior learning, and expand the
market for their services across geographical boundaries
•
Government and public sector can commission and regulate content
more effectively and can ‘join-up’ educational initiatives
•
Corporate HR depts can map competencies from a multitude of
qualifications and accreditations, and simplify procurement of MLEs
•
Learners are to choose courses that are right for them, knowing that
the skills and competencies gained are transferable and accredited
Who will use the standard?
• Strong interest has been expressed by many
organisations, including:
• Industry
– Microsoft, Oracle, Research Machines
• Government
– QCA, BECTA, UFi, LSDA, NTO for the Arts (Metier)
• Publishing
– OUP, Nelson Thornes, EPC, BIC, NCS Pearson
• Awarding Bodies
– City and Guilds, Edexcel
How will it work?
• The standard is split into three parts
– Part 1 - Specification for mappings between established learning
metadata systems
– Part 2 - Code of practice for development of localised educational
metadata systems
– Part 3 - Code of practice for interoperability between systems,
including guidance to allow the relevant UK regulatory authorities to
set up mappings between controlled vocabularies
• It will minimise, not remove, the need for human
intervention in transfer of information between
systems
How will funding be used
• Tender for consultant to draft the standard
• Facilities for meetings provided through members of
the panel
• Marketing the draft through panel members
Timescale
Mar 2002 - Issue ITT for drafting
Apr –> Sep 2002 - Initial workgroups and drafting
Oct 2002 - Issue DPC
Oct –> Mar 2003 - Gather feedback and agree final
text
End Mar 2003 - Publish Standard
Mar 2003 onwards -> Market standard