IBM Demonstrates Early Support of Emerging E-Learning Standard
FORT BELVOIR, Va., July 31, 2002 — IBM Corporation today exhibited its e-learning standards leadership with the demonstration of a sequencing engine, built to support the upcoming SCORM 1.3 specification. SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of e-learning specifications compiled by the U.S. government’s Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative to support interoperability. SCORM is the de facto standard specification for e-learning content interoperability.
SCORM 1.3 will incorporate the Simple Sequencing specification currently under development by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. This specification provides an open format for defining how a learner progresses based on his/her performance. SCORM provides guidance to learning content vendors on how to design courses that interoperate with a variety of learning management systems as well as other courses — this interoperability ultimately provides learners with a personalized learning experience.
IBM actively participates in the ADL initiative, and is a founding member of the IMS Global Learning Consortium developing the Simple Sequencing Specification. Today, at the ADL SCORM Plugfest event in Fort Belvoir, Va., IBM is demonstrating its sequencing engine on its LearningSpace e-learning platform, with sequenced content from NETg, a worldwide leader in corporate education and training and part of The Thomson Corporation (TSX:TOC). The engine, which will be launched with IBM’s next generation e-learning platform later this year, is designed to manipulate all SCORM 1.3-conformant content.
“IBM is committed to bringing to bear the e-learning standards that will one day make all learning content and learning management systems interoperable,” said Mark Harris, manager at IBM Lotus LearningSpace Development. “As a member of the major global standards bodies, we are contributing to the technologies that will shape the future of e-learning.”
“Since 1996, Netg’s e-learning content has been based on the sequenced-learning concept because it creates a superior learning experience and provides unprecedented flexibility for the learner,” said Joe Dougherty, president of NETg. “The advancements demonstrated here at Plugfest underscore NETg’s long-term commitment to advancing learning standards.”
About IBM Mindspan Solutions
IBM, the worldwide leader in e-learning solutions, leverages IBM’s world-class e-learning technologies, services expertise and content to help organizations reduce expenses, improve productivity and enhance competitive advantage. Through both customized and off-the-shelf offerings, IBM has delivered e-learning solutions to more than 2,000 organizations in over 55 countries. More than 3.5 million licenses of the learning technology platform, Lotus LearningSpace, have been sold. For more information visit http://www.ibm.com/mindspan.
About Lotus Software from IBM
Lotus software from IBM sets the standard for truly innovative software and services that reflect the brand’s unique representation of the new ways individuals and businesses work together to achieve success. Lotus software is further redefining the concept of conducting business through practical Knowledge Management, e-business and other groundbreaking ways of connecting ideas, thinkers, buyers, sellers and communities around the world via the Internet.
Lotus software is marketed in more than 80 countries worldwide through direct sales and extensive Business Partner channels. Please visit www.lotus.com.
About The Thomson Corporation and NETg
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2001 revenues of $7.2 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software applications and tools to more than 20 million users in the fields of corporate and professional training, assessment and testing, higher education, reference information, law, tax, accounting, financial services, and scientific research and healthcare. The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.
As part of The Thomson Corporation, NETg (www.netg.com) is a global leader in blended learning with a complete solution of content, technology and services. NETg’s offering is comprised of its award-winning e-Learning courseware, Course Technology books, CourseCards and instructor-led training manuals and Wave accelerated IT Boot Camps and self-study kits.
IBM is a trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Lotus and LearningSpace are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation and/or IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
