Service Oriented eLearning Platforms: From Monolithic Systems to Flexible Services

Abstract

The learning management system (LMS) has dominated Internet-based education for the past two decades. However, the traditional LMS is failing to keep pace with advances in Internet technologies and social interactions online. To support technological diversity, current frameworks such as the E-Learning Framework (ELF), the IMS Abstract Framework, and the Open Knowledge Initiative (OKI) have defined the initial steps toward service-oriented e-learning platforms. Nextgeneration platforms will be based on these service-oriented visions. Here, the authors discuss LMS evolution and present core challenges that must be addressed to achieve information interoperability in next-generation e-learning platforms.