Respondus has become a contributing member of the Instructional Management Systems Global Learning Consortium, better known as “IMS/GLC” or simply “IMS”. The IMS/GLC (http://www.imsglobal.org) is a non-profit organization that develops technical specifications and standards for online learning. Around 50 organizations -- including corporations, universities, and non-profit entities -- participate in “working groups” that develop the IMS/GLC learning specifications.
The IMS/GLC was launched from EDUCAUSE eight years ago and has since developed 16 specifications. If your institution uses a course management system, you’re probably relying on some of those specifications whether you realize it or not.
For example, many course management systems seamlessly exchange information with student registration systems using the IMS “Enterprise 1.0” specification. When Respondus 3 is used to publish an assessment to an online course, the XML passed between Respondus and the course is generally formatted to the IMS “Question & Test Interoperability 1.2” specification. Respondus 3 also supports the IMS “Content Packaging 1.1.x” specification which is a set of instructions for “wrapping” and exchanging learning content.
Most users won’t see a noticeable difference in our products as a result of our membership in the IMS/GLC. Nevertheless, users will benefit in the future through the availability of new -- and more seamless -- integrations with e-learning products. The use of open standards also increases the interoperability of content, meaning that the materials you create with Respondus or StudyMate will be usable for many years to come, regardless of changes that occur with e-learning platforms.
That’s what’s exciting about the IMS Global Learning Consortium. Its primary focus is to get the major e-learning players to make their systems and/or content work together. Everyone wins in that game.
Source: Respondus, Inc. (www.respondus.com)
Originally Published: May 1, 2006
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