Content as a Service
Content as a Service (CaaS) deals with content that can be delivered as a web service rather than a traditional flat piece of content intended to run on a particular platform. Content can be hosted anywhere. There is no “import” process. There is no requirement that the content be on the same server, thus eliminating the cross-domain scripting problem.
The concept of CaaS was derived from the following community requirements:
- Tracking learning experiences in content distributed beyond “the walls” of an LMS – Portability
- Moving away from the concept of .zip content packages and an LMS import process
- Solving Cross-domain scripting and External URL
- Using existing standards such as SOAP, REST, and JSON
- Using SCORM on a variety of platforms – RIAs, games, simulations
- Taking content anonymously, but also enabling paid subscription services
Research Summary
ADL has created a Content as a Service (CaaS) design that allows a single course to be rendered correctly (using a smart .css) regardless of platform. The content passes all data through the Learning Record Store (LRS) which is also deployed as a web service. The protocol is to launch a CaaS course and call a webservice to pass around the learning record. JSON is used for same domain and SOAP for cross-domain.
The current prototype creates a client side code-proxy to communicate with the web service for you. You can then make the function call without having to worry about SOAP, configuration, etc. Server implementation generates an interface which conforms to Web Service Definition Language (WSDL). This takes the place of the XML/XSD SCORM transaction.
One common DoD use case, similar to an e-commerce model, is allowing learners to experience licensed content without the content providers knowing the identities of the learner, but still allowing personal records to be tracked and updated. The content vendor would issue a number of licenses, keep track of entitlement for invoices, and can turn off content after so many users access the content.
CaaS is currently awaiting a decision on a Data Model, whether the Tin Can Model is used, CMI5, a hybrid of the two, or something completely different.
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