Developing advanced units of learning using IMS Learning Design level B

Abstract

IMS Learning Design (LD) is an open specification, released in 2003, to support the interoperability of advanced pedagogical designs in e-learning courses and other 'units of learning'. The specification supports three levels: level A is the basic level, level B adds 'properties, global elements, monitor services and conditions' and level C adds 'notifications'. Current tools for LD support level A of the specification. Some new tools are exploring the incorporation of level B, but there is still a lot of unexplored territory in this area. Also the documentation that is available today explains in detail the technical differences between level A and B, but not functionally. This tutorial paper introduces the possibilities of using IMS Learning Design level B to develop digital courses that support: collaborative learning, adaptive learning and personalisation, conditional text, runtime tracking, new forms of assessment and the modelling of ePortfolio's.