OLeCenT, A tool towards improving online learner-centric course delivery

Abstract

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are employed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) primarily for greater efficiency, profitability, technological advancement or survival. Whereas Moodle and Blackboard are used in more than 60% of top HEIs, the individual international regions do not necessarily bear the percentages of the overall total. An examination of LMSs most used reflects gaps in optimality in course delivery within online learning. Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative which was established to standardize and modernize training and education management and delivery, developed and recommended usage of Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) 2004 and later versions. SCORM 2004 which provides for flexibility in sequencing and navigation for learner-centric course delivery is not supported in any version of the more prevalently used LMSs. It is believed that most learners have a preferred way in processing information. The research proposes codifying one or more Learning Style Instruments (LSIs), diagnosing a batch of learners for their dominant/existing learning styles and comparing these to preferred teaching approach(es) and then seek to provide course delivery as a best-fit per learner. As a proof of concept, OLeCenT has been developed. OLeCenT is a tool that allows the input of one or more course learning paths with real-time learning and automatically reconfigures the course path when a new trend or pattern is identified by significant but consistent variances in learning paths. OLeCenT identified disparity in teaching-learning and provided a mechanism towards improving online learner-centric course delivery.