Distributed Learning Glossary

cmi5 The cmi5 specification is designed as a replacement for SCORM® to secure plug-and-play interoperability between learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMS). It defines how learning courses are packaged, imported, launched, authenticated, and reported, and helps simplify the use of xAPI in the context of an LMS. The cmi5 specification has many elements of an xAPI Profile. source: https://aicc.github.io/CMI-5_Spec_Current/ Conformance Testing Conformance testing, also known as compliance testing or type testing, is an element of conformity assessment that determines whether a process, product, or service complies with the requirements of a specification, technical standard, contract, or regulation. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformance_testing Distributed Learning (DL) Distributed Learning refers to learning content and systems, mediated with technology, that are accessed through a network or experienced via portable media. DL leverages the power of computers, information, and communication technologies through the use of common standards in order to provide learning that can be tailored to individual needs and delivered anytime-anywhere. source: DODI 1322.26 Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI) The Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI) is an e-learning software specification that allows learning content and learning systems to speak to each other in a manner that records and tracks all types of learning experiences. The specification defines how xAPI data is formed, communicated and stored. source: https://adlnet.gov/projects/xapi/ Learning Content Management System (LCMS) A Learning Content Management System is a learning management system with additional authoring capabilities that integrates into the overall platform functionality and often includes a content repository. source: https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/learning-content-management-system-lcms/ Learning Management System (LMS) A Learning Management System is a software application used to administer, document, track, report, and deliver learning courses, training curricula, and learning or development programs. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_management_system Learning Record Store (LRS) A Learning Record Store (LRS) is a data store system that serves as a repository for learning records collected from connected systems where learning activities are conducted. It is an essential component in the process flow for using the Experience API (xAPI) standard by ADL. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_Record_Store Metadata Metadata, in the context of DL, provides descriptive information about learning content and activities (i.e., author, file size, subject, title, and duration). Many types of metadata exist, including descriptive metadata, structural metadata, administrative metadata, reference metadata and statistical metadata. source: https://techterms.com/definition/metadata Personal Identifiable Information (PII) Personal Identifiable Information is a representation of information in which the identity of an individual to whom the information applies can be reasonably inferred by either direct or indirect means (e.g., name, address, social security number). source: https://www.dol.gov/general/ppii Sequencing Sequencing is a component of the instructional design process that specifies the order and organization of learning activities that may affect the way information is processed and retained. source: https://adlnet.gov/projects/scorm Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®) Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®) is a collection of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to create interoperable learning content. SCORM provides the ability to record a learner’s course progress, scores, and sequence instructional lessons. source: https://adlnet.gov/projects/scorm xAPI Profile / xAPI Profile Specification An xAPI Profile is a set of rules, shared vocabularies, data patterns, contexts, and extensions to implement xAPI for a specific domain or media type. The xAPI rules and structures that all xAPI Profiles must follow are defined in the xAPI Profile Specification. source: https://github.com/adlnet/xapi-profiles