With a common Data Model


The purpose of establishing a common data model is to ensure that a defined set of information can be tracked by different learning management systems. Any information that is likely to be a general requirment for such systems, such as student profile information and test scores, must exist as a common element within the data model so that such information can be exchanged and recorded by diverse systems.

In plain English, for e-learning systems and content to work well together, when they mean the same thing, they must use the same names. When dealing with a student's name, the data model element "student_name" must be used. "Pupil_name," "learner_name" or anything else simply won't work. Furthermore, the data must be exchanged according to predictable rules. For example, a "student_name" may not contain any periods. This uniformity and predictability allows rich e-learning content to work on any compliant system.