Towards a learning path specification

Abstract

Flexible lifelong learning requires comparability and exchange-ability of courses, programmes and other types of learning actions both in a national and international context. In order to achieve comparability and exchangeability, a uniform and meaningful way to describe learning paths towards attainment of learning outcomes is needed. This paper identifies requirements for a Learning Path (LP) specification, drawing on literature in the field of curriculum design and lifelong learning and on recent initiatives to enhance comparability and exchangeability of learning actions. Two existing specifications designed to describe learning programmes, eXchanging Course-Related Information (XCRI) and IMS Learning Design (IMS-LD), are investigated to see whether they can fulfil the identified requirements. The fact that IMS-LD has a generic way to define completion of learning paths as well as an expression language to describe all kinds of conditions makes IMS-LD a more likely candidate. A learning path model is presented identifying the main elements of an LP specification and mapping them on IMS-LD.