IMS Global: Are most of the courses narrative in nature with little opportunity for interaction between student and teacher?
JG: Most of the material we've offered in this initial phase is in narrative format because we didn't have time to embed some of the multimedia information that went with it. As we continue to build out the site and add more content, we intend to add a panoply of additional material to make it more interactive.
IMS Global: What do you hope to achieve with this OpenLearn initiative?
JG: There are a number of things that are worthy goals. For starters, enhanced learning experiences for users of open content delivery, including enhanced knowledge and understanding of open content delivery and how it can be effective. Another would be enhanced understanding of sustainable and scalable models of open content delivery. In other words, can you do all of this to scale? Because anyone can make a bit of stuff available. Then there is the whole issue of sustainability. We're spending $9.9 million over the next two years to get this program up and running. The real question is what happens next? What is the sustainable model? Also, greater involvement in higher education by under-represented groups is a major goal, including empowerment for various support networks.
IMS Global: Open University is a member of IMS and you serve on the board of directors. Would you agree that it makes sense for nations to build technological bridges and form international consortiums for the sake of sharing research and knowledge?
JG: Absolutely. One of the reasons that I've become quite active in IMS is not just about the specifications, although we are interested in many of them such as Common Cartridge and Learning Design. It's just the ability to engage with vendors and others who are addressing exactly the same issues. What you do is find your level. For example, I've talked quite a bit with Chris Vento from Blackboard/WebCT. He is operating at pretty much the same level that I'm operating at the Open University, and it's great to get his take on how they are addressing these problems. There are other people from Sun, Apple, Microsoft and other universities who are participating. Organizations like IMS offer a great opportunity for relationship building and identifying best practices. Everyone has the same problems and IMS is full of very smart people. Every time I go to an IMS event of any sort, I just come away with loads of ideas.
