The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is planning to develop the next generation training and learning environment that will prepare learners for optimal performance in the increasingly complex environment in which they live and work.

A key contributor to the increasingly complex environment in which we live is the rapid pace of emerging technological innovations. Each of the new technologies provides unique strengths and instructional value. However, not all systems are able to communicate with one another in a way that is easy and useful for learners, instructors and system administrators.

The Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative, under the direction of OSD Training Readiness & Strategy (TRS), has conducted preliminary research on the content and systems integration piece of the next generation learning environment that allows data sharing between and across systems by leveraging new and innovative technologies as they enter the market. This preliminary research includes prototype technology that facilitates this communication among emerging technologies. Components of this preliminary research include custom data models and Web Services APIs consisting of virtual world support, social networking and learning profiles support, and legacy content support. Each of these new developments will enable Content-as-a-Service (CaaS). This paper discusses the preliminary R&D specifically regarding the content and systems integration piece of the next generation learning environment.

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Thomas Archibald