The intended scope of this work is to address conversions between the most common eLearning content formats in use: IMS Content Packaging 1.1.3, IMS Content Packaging 1.1.4, IMS Content Packaging 1.2, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, and IMS Common Cartridge 1.0. We also plan to look at the most frequently used proprietary formats such as those used by WebCT, Blackboard and Moodle and at significant UK application profiles such as NLN. The project brief (Word doc) provides more detailed information.
However, which dialects we actually address is critically dependent on what people need.
Give the software a spin using the latest alpha release (http://purl.oclc.org/NET/transcoder), try the output in a platform or tool of your choice and feed back a brief report of what does and what doesn't seem to work. The emphasis is on "seem": we are more concerned with practical perception of efficacy than strict conformance to a specification.
We would like feedback on packages that have either been created using a software application, an authoring tool, CMS, VLE etc or produced to a technical application profile rather than ad hoc hand-crafted material (does anyone still do this?) Both "known good" and "problematic" packages are welcome.
At the present time, we would like to compile a list of people to make contact with once the service becomes available. If you are interested in being involved, please let us know (including info about your target dialect, see above).
Also, dialects we implement transcoding from/to will be influenced by need so please also let Ian Ibbotson know what your requirements are, including version. It would be useful to know whether you have particular problems in acquiring content that works with your VLE etc.
You can also email Sheila MacNeill to indicate your general interest in the project.
Subscribe to the TRANSCODER-ANNOUNCE email list. This is for announcements only. The EC SIG mail list can be used for discussions.
The project brief includes some ideas for "what next" but we welcome further ideas and priorities. Add them to this wiki or send an email to the EC SIG mail list for discussion and we will transcribe the conclusions. Any ideas are welcome - not just those that are closely related to the content packaging slant of the initial effort.
