This paper summarizes the history, purpose, and progress in implementing a Defense-wide learning ecosystem—parts of which reached an Initial Operational Capability this year. A “learning ecosystem” is a system of systems comprised of various end-user training/education technologies and enterprise software services connected via a data-centric modular open systems architecture.
For nearly a decade, DoD’s Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative has been developing the data standards and business rules for a learning ecosystem, called the “Total Learning Architecture” (TLA), and since 2018, the ADL Initiative has led the Pentagon-directed Enterprise Digital Learning Modernization (EDLM) reform designed to turn this vision into a reality. At prior I/ITSEC conferences, we’ve published status updates about the TLA, EDLM, and components of the DoD learning ecosystem. This paper marks a notable milestone. It comprehensively describes the technology components—no longer as concepts or early prototypes but as functional capabilities transitioning into operational use.
The paper begins with a background review of the rationale, formal direction, and anticipated benefits. Next, it delves into the specifics of achieving the learning ecosystem, including the TLA data backbone and newly implemented DoD Learning Enclave (DLE). The DLE is a cloud-based set of enterprise digital learning systems, conformant learning activities, and data management infrastructure. It’s currently hosted on an Air Force cloud environment at Impact Level 4 and includes 11 components, such as an enterprise course catalog, TLA data backend, and commodity learning delivery technologies, such as a learning management system. These systems are available for all DoD Components, and DoD organizations and vendors are expected to, at least, implement the data and interface standards required to be interoperable with the centralized systems. The paper closes with technical guidance for DoD organizations and industry partners on meeting these requirements—so we can collectively accelerate the DoD's training (and education) transformation.
Keywords
ARCHITECTURE,DATA,DEEP LEARNING,DISTANCE LEARNING,DISTRIBUTED,INTEROPERABILITY,LEARNING TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS,OPEN ARCHITECTURE,STANDARDS
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