Technology-Based Learning Strategies Report - APEC HRDWG Wiki

D. ApplicationsExample: Advanced Distributed Learning InitiativeThe Armed Forces are increasingly deployed to global locations with little time allotted forplanning. Consequently, the number of service people and their dispersed positioning promptedDepartment of Defense (DoD) leaders to incorporate technology-based learning strategies as partof existing training programs. The fast-paced work of the Armed Forces requires cost effective“just-in-time” training to prepare soldiers for a wide range of critical situations. However, whenbranches of the Armed Forces began investing in training programs individually, the lack ofcoordination within the DoD caused duplication of effort and monies.In 1997, the DoD initiated Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), a comprehensive strategy tointegrate learning content and technologies and transition department-wide training efforts.Specifically, ADL attempts to provide “a network of dispersed accessible and reusable learningcontent, standardized guidelines for the implementation and use of technology in learning,research and guidance on technological challenges to distributed learning, cost-effectivetechnology-based learning capable of generating profits for industry, and a forum for partners toexchange knowledge of distance learning on a large scale.” 38One of the largest issues in coordination is that most LMSs were not designed to be compatiblewith each other. This discrepancy affected one program’s ability to share learning content withothers. To resolve this issue ADL produced the Sharable Content Object Reference Model(SCORM). The Department of Defense asserts that SCORM facilitates the “creation of reusablecontent as ‘instructional objects’ within a common technical framework”. 39 Within this model,LMSs that conform to SCORM standards are more readily able to interact with content utilizedin other management systems.ADL is spearheaded by the DoD, but includes collaboration from national and internationalgovernment agencies, industry, and educational institutions. One example of international buyinis from NATO and the Partners for Peace (PfP). Together, they have developed a trainingschool with the use of ADL “to leverage individual countries’ training efforts by reaching largeraudiences with significant savings.” 40Also, many federal government agencies including NASA, IRS, and USPS have adopted theSCORM model. The U.S. Department of Intelligence Agency’s Joint Intelligence Virtual383940Advanced Distributed Learning, 2005.Brooks and Wirth, 2006.Nato PfP Advanced Distributed Learning Website, 2006.21