1. LETSI* *Learning Education and Training Systems Interoperability

2. Background SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) developed and maintained by the U.S. DoD Advanced Distributed Learning initiative (ADL)

3. Need for Global Stewardship International adoption of SCORM Importance of global reference models with local implementations Complexity and importance of individualizing online learning* A confusing landscape of organizations involved in LET standardization Enormous diversity among communities of practice *Individualization is an educational imperative and economic impossibility” – Michael Scriven, 1975

4. Steps Taken “Prospectus” released in February, 2007: –Interested organizations are invited to participate in the formation of a future- oriented, global collaboration to advance the interoperability of technical systems enabling learning, education and training (LET) through the use of reference models based on de jure standards.

5. The purpose of LETSI is: to enable organizations with a material interest in learning, education, training (LET) who agree to accept a set of organizing principles to participate in evolving broadly applicable LET Interoperability Reference Model(s) informed by shared priorities and requirements based initially on the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and to define and actualize related events, publications, technologies, and services through a process that is transparent, democratic and sustainable.

6. 1.There are societal, economic and educational benefits to establishing a global interoperability framework for technology-enabled learning, education and training (LET). 2. Technology-enabled LET encompasses many diverse and unique communities of practice and must accommodate this diversity and the financial realities of the various communities. 3. A key to establishing a global LET interoperability framework is to define broadly applicable reference models that: support and promote interoperability for LET technology; may be easily profiled by LET communities of practice; are based on de jure standards; may be obtained and implemented without royalties; and are adequately supported through events, technologies, and services. 4. The first successful and broadly applicable LET reference model is the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), which should become the first of many anticipated reference models in an evolving, overarching LET Interoperability Reference Model. 5. It is necessary and desirable for organizations with a material interest in LET to collaborate and to coordinate their efforts in a manner that: promotes understanding of the principles and importance of LET systems interoperability; is accessible to members from all nations and actively encourages participation; follows a democratic process based on consensus, openness, balance and due process; develops and implements a sustainable business model. Principles

7. Developments Conference on global governance of standards held in London in March, 2007 Separate meeting on “LETSI” held (40 people, 17 countries, governments, corporations, not-for-profits, SDO’S) 6 Sponsors pledged $10K “to be at the organizing table” –MedBiquitous –Booz Allen Hamilton –Masie Learning Consortium –Fraunhofer Institute Digital Media Technology –ILCE, Latin America –KIEC, South Korea Plus … –Stephen Molyneux (private individual) –ADL Initiative Sponsor Executive Committee* has formed and is working *The above plus the IEEE LTSC and AICC

8. What is happening next? Examples of issues being addressed by the initial sponsors: –IP policies for LET standards –Coordination among SDO’S –Charter for LETSI (governance model, business model, operational model etc.) –Future of SCORM (and LET Standards in general) Important: LETSI is not “yet another organization.” Its role is to coordinate, facilitate, harmonize, and actualize across international boundaries and communities of practice but not to replace or compete.

9. Opportunity Join list of initial sponsors –Benefits e-learning efforts –Places IEEE CS in leadership role –CS could play an operational role Why? –The IEEE Computer Society's vision is to be the leading provider of technical information, community services, and personalized services to the world's computing professionals –The Society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing technology …