LO -> LA: From a Learning Object centric view towards a Learning Activity perspective

Abstract

This article argues why we must focus on the learning in e-learning. We hold a plea to rethink the current learning object centric paradigm in e-learning technology towards a more learning activity centric perspective on e-learning. After examining current needs in educational practice and the state-of-art in learning technology, we discuss the extent to which available specifications and LMS cater for these needs. We conclude that learning technology should be enhanced with a specification able to capture a larger and more innovative variety of new pedagogical approaches to learning. As a solution to this problem, we propose that the IMS Learning Design specification offers a more generic pedagogical framework to also enable more activity-based and collaborative learning designs for a large variety of approaches and domains.