We present a new module that we developed specifically for the import and export of learning objects within Chamilo 2.0. Learning objects can be simple files, such as PDF documents, or more complex ones, such as quizzes, glossaries, forums, etc. Based on the IMS-CP and IMS-QTI standards, this module makes possible the exchange of learning objects between multiple instances of Chamilo, and other LMS as well, such as for instance Moodle (another LMS used at the University of Geneva). The choice of IMS over SCORM will be argued during this presentation, and will be shown to be related to the notion of players, which we believe is a serious impediment to the true exchange of learning objects. In particular, the possibility of reimporting learning objects so that they remain editable, without having to keep the initial version (in general tied to a specific LMS), was key to this development.

1. Connecting Chamilo with other LMS
via a shared repository
Patrick Roth and Laurent Opprecht
March 28, 2011

2. Objectives
• Current situation
– 2 LMS (Dokeos and Moodle) + multimedia server
– LO exchange impossible between LMS
– No connection with Swiss national repository
“SWITCHcollection”
• Our goal
– Make the LO exchange possible between LMS
– Develop a connection with SWITCHcollection

3. Initial Goal
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Dokeos • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
• Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
LO LO LO LO
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

4. Initial Goal
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
• Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
LO LO LO LO
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

5. Solutions
• Add a repository FedoraLOR.unige.ch
– Product selected: Fedora
• Store digital objects: content and/or metadata
• Easy communication with SWITCHcollection
• Develop import/export LO modules

6. Initial Goal
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
• Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
LO LO LO LO
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

7. Solutions
• Add a repository
• Develop import/export LO modules
– Simple LO
– Complex LO
• For Quiz: encode to IMS-QTI
• Otherwise: encode to IMS-CP
• Keep the content (do not use IMS players)

8. Solutions: IMS-QTI import/export
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

9. Solutions: IMS-QTI import/export
UniGE
Chamilo
multiple LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
choice
LO matrix
essay matching • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
ordering
LO LO LO
IMS-QTI
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch
LO LO
SWITCHcollection

10. Solutions: IMS-QTI import/export
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
IMS-QTI
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

11. Solutions: IMS-QTI import/export
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
IMS-QTI
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

12. Solutions: IMS-QTI import/export
Moodle UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
• Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
LO LO LO LO
multiple
matching
IMS-QTI
choice
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch
LO LO
SWITCHcollection

13. Solutions: IMS-CP import/export
Moodle UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
link file LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
glossary
LO LO
IMS-CP
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch
LO LO
SWITCHcollection

14. Solutions: IMS-CP import/export
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
IMS-CP
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

15. Solutions: IMS-CP import/export
UniGE
LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
IMS-CP
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch LO LO
SWITCHcollection

16. Solutions: IMS-CP import/export
UniGE
Chamilo LO Learning Object
Moodle Chamilo • Simple: pdf, ppt, mp3, etc.
LO • Complex: tests, forums, wiki, etc.
LO LO
link
file
glossary
IMS-CP
FedoraLOR.unige.ch
UniZH
OLAT
Switch
LO LO
SWITCHcollection

17. How it works
Demonstration

18. Next steps
• Modules and repository in production
– Upgrade for Chamilo 2.0 and Moodle 2.0
• Connect more learning tools
– Multimedia server
– ePortfolio « Mahara »
• Promote OER culture
– Sharing their LO contents with others
– Using LO contents from others

19. More infos
• To obtain import/export modules
– For Chamilo
• Download Chamilo 2.0 release

20. Thank you
: Patrick.Roth@unige.ch