Abstract:

Many technology standards for e-Learning or Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) have been proposed. For example, SCORM [1] and IMS QTI [2] are well-known standards that have been implemented in many commercial systems. Meta-standards like the IMS Abstract Framework [3] have also been proposed. While these standards address individual components, there is a need to specify enterprise architecture and a framework encompassing best practices and standard guidelines for a complete TEL eco-system. An effort in this direction was the Learning Technology Systems Architecture- 2004 (LTSA) by IEEE [4] which addressed high level system design of TEL. Similarly, the Open Knowledge Initiative (OKI) [5] was another framework that organized TEL in terms of user agents (e.g., Learning Management Systems), learning domain services (e.g., Assessment) and common services (e.g., Forums). While such efforts are a step in the right direction, standard bodies, institutes and organizations like TMForum [6], TOGAF [7], and ITIL [8] have provided much more advanced platforms to enable technology innovation and excellence for their respective communities. For example, TFrameworx [6] provides a blueprint of best practices and standards to help and enable efficient business operations. Similarly, eTOM (a sub-component of Frameworx), provides a business process framework gives a catalog of key business processes to run a service focused business. Another sub-component called TAM is an application framework providing business process mapping to the application portfolio. The primary purpose of this paper is to describe the need of a similar architecture and enterprise framework and guidelines for the TEL industry with reference to other domains like IT and Telecom. In specific, after reviewing the existing efforts in this direction, a unified framework similar to the existing mature standards like TFrameworx is proposed. This unified framework includes an Enterprise Architecture, a Business Process Framework, an Information Framework, and an Application Framework for a TEL eco-system. Enterprise Architecture follows TOGAF guidelines [7] to provide a high level association of key business processes with IT Systems and the underlying infrastructure. In short, this paper provides a reference model, and an everyday working guide to business analysts, architects and system analysts working for TEL software vendors, Software as a Service (SaaS) providers and potential customers which may include Universities/Institutes, Schools, technical and vocational training institutes.

References:
[2] SCORM 2004, 4th Edition – Content Aggregation Model, Run-time Environment and Sequencing & Navigation v1.1, Available at: www.adlnet.gov
[3] IMS Question and Test Interoperability Version 2.1, Available at: http://www.imsglobal.org/question/index.html)
[3] IMS Abstract Framework Version 1, Available at: http://www.imsglobal.org/af/index.html
[4] 1484.1-2003 IEEE Standard for Learning Technology-Learning Technology Systems Architecture (LTSA), IEEE, 2003.
[5] Open Knowledge Initiative (OKI), Available at http://www.elframework.org/framework.html
[6] TM Forum Frameworx, Release 12.5, Available at http://www.tmforum.org/TMForumFrameworx/1911/home.html
[7] TOGAF Version 9, The Open Group Architecture Framework, Available at http://www.opengroup.org/togaf
[8] ITIL Version 3.0, Available at http://www.itil-officialsite.com/.

Keywords:

e-learning standards, TOGAF, Enterprise Architecture.