Observing standards for web-based learning from the web

Abstract

Learning technology standardization is a lively process that will last for years until a clear and precise set of recommendations are identified. So far, there is only one official standard and some final specifications in different areas. Most documents are working drafts that are still in their development process before being approved and, most important, accepted by the global eleaming community. Currently, many institutions collaborate to produce new updates almost every week. In this situation it is really hard to get familiar with the learning technology standardization process and, even worse, to keep updated. The Workshop for Learning Technologies, within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/ISSS WS-LT), produced the Learning Technology Standards Observatory, a web portal where those interested in this process can get familiar with it, learn the main differences between related specifications, follow what is going on, what is planned for the near future and furthermore participate in the process itself. This paper presents the main functionalities and content areas within this site and how users can benefit from its use. © Springer-Verlag 2004.