Abstract
The concept of continuing education is topical for professionals in every sphere. Processes of continuing training professionals, creation and development of educational programs, support for e-learning resources are closely tied and require complex automation to provide quality and relevant education. We develop the models for life cycles of specialist, e-learning resources and educational programs. Prototype of CALS-system for e-learning resources is developed on the basis of these models. For online synchronization of the developed models it is needed networking environment for creating community of universities and industry. The practical implementation of networking organization of continuing training on the basis of network learning environment with LMS and structure of the information environment for organization of the educational process on joint network programs are proposed.
TopBackground
The Federal Law N 273-FZ “On Education in the Russian Federation” refers to continuing education (lifelong learning). The education system creates conditions for continuing education through the implementation of major educational programs and a variety of additional educational programs, enabling simultaneous development of several educational programs, as well as taking into consideration existing education, qualifications, experience of practice in education. All educational professional programs of universities in Russia must comply with the federal state educational standards. At formation of the federal state educational standards it is taken into account provisions the relevant professional standards (“On Education in the Russian Federation”,n.d.).
Effective implementation of continuing education, taking into account the employment of adult employees and the needs for students, along with their studies, participation in real projects, is only possible with the wide use modern information and educational technology. The Federal Law N 273-FZ (“On Education in the Russian Federation”,n.d.). extends the use of advanced information technologies in education (Article 16 “Implementation of educational programs with the use of e-learning (EL) and distance learning technologies (DLT)”). Due to wide implementation of technologically advanced learning the boundaries between face-to-face and distance learning are erasing, which is reflected in the basic international specifications of educational technologies. The standard IEEE P1484.1 Learning Technology Systems Architecture (LTSA) (“IEEE Standard for Learning Technology-Learning Technology Systems Architecture”,n.d.) - refers to the information technology(IT)-supported learning, education, and training systems. Other leading international specifications clearly stand out that they are designed for advanced distributed learning. So much the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative has developed Specification Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) (“What is SCORM”,n.d.), the international education consortium IMS (Instructional Management System) (“IMS”,n.d.) has designed the specifications for e-learning (ADL abbreviation is also used here). In fact, these international specifications are quite suitable for the e-learning and face to face learning to describe the components of the educational process on the basis of information technology, as they have educational, cultural and platform neutrality.
Key Terms in this Chapter
The Networking Environment Information System: The information system that creates virtual environment for professional e ducation and use networking technologies for educational purposes.
An Educational Program: A program written by the institution or ministry of education which determines the learning progress of each subject in all the stages of formal education.
The Network Learning Environment: Environment that support educational process and interaction between students and teachers using special software and internet technology.
CALS-System for E-Learning Resources: Information system that supports e-learning resource’s lifecycle.
Electronic Educational Resource (E-Learning Resource, ELR): Educational resource represented in digital form and included structure, subject content and metadata about them. ELR may include data, information, and software necessary for its use in the learning process.
Continuing Education of Specialists (Continuing Professional Education): Education for people that maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives.
Life-Cycle of Specialists: Life cycle of work and continuing training of specialist to get required professional competences.