Synapsys Blog - November 2004

Interoperability in Action

Via Derek Wenmoth's blog, a link to a 25 minute video presentation on interoperability standards and what they can do for us all. This particular presentation is based on the X4L interoperability programme, using the RELOAD content packaging tool. Still, the basic principles will apply to many interoperability efforts.

Link here... (Quicktime)

Are LMS's Too Limiting?

We're really pleased that this conversation is happening, though it does cause quite a bit of consternation. Learning and content management systems are great because they make learning content relatively easy to develop and administer, but they do require a lot of compromising.

"Given the marketing muscle behind the major LMS developers and their complete dominance of the e-learning space, it’s hardly surprising that many people see an LMS as “the solution” to their future learning needs. But an LMS, as available today, is not a universal solution for a corporation’s e-learning problems. In fact, an LMS is often the albatross around the neck of progress in technology-enhanced learning."

More here...

The Use of Computer and Video Games for Learning

An amazingly comprehensive 93-page report from Ultralab UK and the Learning and Skills Development Agency UK covering many issues related to computer/video games and learning. The report is a comprehensive look at existing literature and practice, a great snapshot of where the field sits at the moment.

More here... (PDF)

Synergies Between Formal and Informal Learning

Lilia Efimova is doing a PhD on 'personal productivity in a knowledge intensive environment: a weblogs case'. During the course of her research, she has uncovered some of the difficult organisational problems that arise when trying to approach learning holistically, embracing both sides of the formal/informal learning coin:

"In practice the above forms of learning are more and more perceived as two sides of the same learning process, whereas organisationally they still "belong" to different departments. Formal learning programs are planned and managed under HR/T&D umbrella, while informal learning usually addressed within knowledge management domain. This seemingly dichotomy results in a variety of learning-support efforts in a company that often are not related nor aligned. This results in lack of support for informal learning, duplicated or contradictory interventions, unnecessary costs and lost opportunities to improve quality."

More here...

Games Deserve a Place in the Class

There have been a number of articles recently that point to the usefulness of games in the classroom. This article refers to an initiative by the Institute of Education at the University of London to promote game literacy in young people.

More here...
Same topic, coverage from BBC News...

Learning Objects: A Practical Definition

Learning objects is a term that people often use, but for which there are many different definitions. Rory McGreal now provides a useful definition that incorporates the many different facets:

"Learning objects (LOs) enable and facilitate the use of educational content online. Internationally accepted specifications and standards make them interoperable and reusable by different applications and in diverse learning environments. The metadata that describes them facilitates searching and renders them accessible".

More here...