Implementing E-learning Specifications with Conformance Testing: Profiling for IMS Learning Design

Improving interoperability between e-learning systems and content has been one of the driving forces behind the adoption of e-learning specifications over recent years. A vital step towards achieving this goal is the widespread adoption of conformant implementations of e-learning specifications. A conformant implementation is one which fully complies with the conformance requirements of the specification. However, conformance testing is time consuming and expensive. The process of localising specifications to create so-called “Application Profiles” to meet individual community needs further complicates conformance testing efforts. To solve this problem, we developed the conformance testing approach presented in this article. This approach simplifies the development of Application Profiles, and the process of conformance testing against them. Using this approach, test suites can be generated to test software applications against both e-learning specifications and their derived Application Profiles. A case study based around the IMS Learning Design specification demonstrates this process.