Software and standards in an emerging domain

Abstract

This paper considers the software market in the field of e-Learning and Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) through observing standardization developments in the domain. A model of software market evolution suggests that observations on development and deployment of standards in the domain indicate the status on the market. As the model holds, in a mature phase, level of standardization is high and the number of competing standards low. The result of the study is, there appears to be a market, but a heterogeneous one, with hesitation on dominant designs and an overall modest level of standards adoption. Content standardization enables the (re)use of the learning content in multiple formats with diverse learning management systems (LMS), virtual learning environments (VLEs), learning platforms, HRM and administration systems. A number of initiatives to develop specifications or standards exist. Competing standards or specifications are found for most target areas. Efforts to establish common frameworks and reference models have emerged. Such overall consensus frameworks will support developments towards content interoperability in this vertical as they have in other domains. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.