Chapter IV
Opportunities, Achievements,
and Prospects for Use of IMS LD
David Griffths
The University of Bolton, UK
Oleg Liber
The University of Bolton, UK
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AbstrAct
The IMS LD specifcation is internally complex and has been used in a number of different ways. As
a result users who have a basic understanding of the role of the specifcation in interoperability may
nevertheless fnd it diffcult to get an overview of the potential of the specifcation, or to assess what has
been achieved through its use. This chapter seeks to make the task simpler by articulating the modes
of use of the specifcation and analysing the work carried out in each. The IMS LD specifcation is
briefy introduced. Four aspects of the IMS Learning Design specifcation are identifed and described:
modeling language, interoperability specifcation, modeling and methodology, and infrastructure. The
different opportunities provided by each mode of use are explored and the achievements of work so
far carried out are assessed. A number of valuable contributions are identifed, but the practical and
widespread use of the specifcation to exchange learning activities has not so far been achieved. The
changing technological and organisational environment in which IMS LD operates is discussed, and
its implications are explored. Conclusions are offered which summarise achievements with IMS LD to
date, with comments on prospects for the future.