IMS Global Learning Consortium
Definition
IMS Global Learning Consortium is probably the major player in the world of e-learning standards.
Here is a quote from their WebSite (Feb 2006): "The mission of the IMS Global Learning Consortium is to support the adoption and use of learning technology worldwide. IMS is a non-profit organization that includes more than 50 Contributing Members and affiliates" ... "MS develops and promotes the adoption of open technical specifications for interoperable learning technology. Several IMS specifications have become worldwide de facto standards for delivering learning products and services. IMS specifications and related publications are made available to the public at no charge."
The role of IMS
Until recently IMS was (in my opinion) the champion of promoting e_learning as a form of computer-based training, i.e. web-based training or e-instruction.
Some of their major contributions to standardization are:
- IMS Simple Sequencing
- IMS Content Packaging (which currently also includes the above)
- Learning Object Metadata Standard (LOM, which is now a IEEE standard)
- IMS Question and Test Interoperability (QTI), a test and testing data standard
These standards also have been adopted by the influencial SCORM "standards".
Recently, there were two interesting additions:
- IMS Learning Design which is a specification that supports sophisticated instructional designs.
- IMS General Web Services to allow for interoperability of various systems. E.g. in some future you may be able to play a content hosted a learning management system within some more creative plateform (like this Wiki).