As an emerging discipline, the learning sciences are still in the process of defining itself. Accordingly, the identity of the field is multifaceted, and varies from institution to institution. However, the International Society of Learning Sciences (ISLS, [1]) summarizes the field as follows: “Researchers in the interdisciplinary field of learning sciences, born during the 1990s, study learning as it happens in real-world situations and how to better facilitate learning in designed environments – in school, online, in the workplace, at home, and in informal environments.
Our Talent Management division is currently focusing on the “science of learning” topic and several experts have given presentations about what that looks like for both the learner and the developers. By definition: Learning sciences (LS) is an interdisciplinary field that works to further scientific understanding of learning as well as to engage in the design and implementation of learning innovations, and the improvement of instructional methodologies. (wikipedia) Some of you may recall Multimedia Learning during your graduate work if not it is the study of learning to design for online learning.
What does all of this have to do with Captivate? Well, as I get more immersed in using web authoring tools like Captivate we have to keep in mind that although the learner may not know that why we design courses the way we do we are well aware of what we are trying to accomplish. Anymore, packaging the development tool with the respective LMS will give us the complete picture if the products we are developing are measuring the learners true learning capabilities. Because of the nature of my customers environment the science of learning is becoming very important for some of our topical areas.
Yeah, earlier adopters of online learning probably aren’t as knowledgeable about xAPI capabilities in development. If you are familiar with SCORM packaging then you will understand that this not theoretical. I studied this in mid-2000’s while completing my master’s in Instructional Technology. It has actually existed in older LMS applications but unless you run metrics for large corporations there wouldn’t be a need to know this.
My organization is exploring the performance evaluation of behavioral (Level 3) training but from the technology side. We have resources like eLearning Brothers that can embed xAPI in the design of web authoring templates that we can build training from and capture most of what a learner is choosing while interacting with the content.
Respectfully.
I have been working with several LMS’s, and know xAPI, but remain sceptical. Sorry.
Very theoretical! How can a LMS measure ‘true learning capabilities’ is a c very mysterious to me and, honestly, I don’t believe you can ‘measure’ this at all. Just FYI: I have been training and teaching on many levels and many topics, in many domains, both class training, blended training and online training. Learning capabilities are not only very individual, they are not static at all. Bad teachers/trainers can kill or decrease those capabilities, excellent trainers can uplevel thme. Same for eLearning courses which can only be a (small) portion of the assets for an eLearning process.
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