Arcusys Yritysportaali 2011

Liferay learning portalsJanne Hietala

Background and goals for the developmentArcusys Ltd. has developed Liferay learning tools and concepts since 2010The development is based on the expertise and experience in the eLearning fieldLiferay has huge potential for supporting learning activities in organisations and providing more open ended learning tools compared to traditional learning management systems (LMS)

Background and goals for the developmentThe focus of the development is not to create another LMS, instead the development concentrates on more flexible and open-ended learning portalsThe main strength of Liferay as a learning tool is the tailorability of the platform, which provides new opportunities for future needs of eLearningThe learning portals Arcusys aims to develop is a comprehensive, all-including, eLearning portalOpportunities also to use Liferay in a similar manner as the traditional LMSs

Strengths of the Liferay learning portalSingle user interface for all the learning resources of the organisation, instead of separate systems used in eLearning:The traditional way (separate systems):Courses are delivered from LMSLearning communities and communities of practises are built on social media tools (such as Ning, elgg etc)The information related to learning (course calendars, curriculums, etc.) are provided from other systemsSeparate sign-on for different systems

Liferay learning portal All systems and resources are available for the learner from a single (personalised) user interfaceSingle sign-on for all learning resources from same user interface

Strengths of the Liferay learning portalPersonalisation and flexibility: The system and it's tools can be tailored based on individual and organisations needsEasy and intuitive user interface:All learning tools are available as portlets, which use resembles the use of computer desktopVast collection of ready-made tools (portlets) in use out of the box and eLearning portlets developed by Arcusys

Liferay learning portal answers to the current and emerging trends in eLearning field, such as: Personalised learning environments Open-ended learning instead of eLearning course based learningSocial media opportunities in learning

Strengths of the Liferay learning portalOpen interfaces and standards based software development:Easy to build new learning toolsAbility to integrate learning resources from other IT-systems Scalability according the eLearning needs:Liferay learning portal can support a eLearning course based learning like a LMS systemLiferay can act as an all including learning portal, with LMS as a single tool among other tools in the portal

Liferay learning portaldevelopment in ArcusysProof of concepts created for different learning settings and needs:Personalised learning portal used in higher educationLiferay as a eConsulting portal and toolLiferay learning portal in elementary level schoolsElearning course delivery platform

Liferay learning portaldevelopment in ArcusysPortlet development:SCORM -portlet (ability to use SCORM compliant eLearning material)Quiz tool and editor portlet based on SCORM standard (currently in development)Gradebook portlet, deriving grades from SCORM portlet and quiz portlet)

Liferay learning portaldevelopment in ArcusysIntegrations already ready:Microsoft Live@edu integrations:Single sign-on Live IDCalendar Exchange LiveEmail Outlook LiveMessaging Lync LiveStorage space SkydriveIntegrations to be done:Google EDU integrations!Better Moodle integrationsSakai & Blackboard

Questions and co-operationWhat do we need to developeLiferay as a learning platform?Co-operation with Liferay (of course)Provide bundled version of Liferay with JSCORM, integration to collaboration tools in cloud (Live@Edu and Google EDU)Out of the box integrations with existing LMSs like Moodle, Sakai, Blackboard and major national systems.Global partners (this is why we are here)To work on the technology and integrationsAs implementation partners for universities and schools around worldTo create a community to promote platform and provide support!

Find us on twitter:@janne_hietala@jarijarvelaThank you!

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