Basic LMS Architecture for Learner-Centric LearnFlows or How Reusable Learning Objects Fit into Co-Constructivist Learning Processes

The discussions about learning management systems and reusable learning objects primarily focus on technical standardization issues. Standards such as SCORM or LTSC-LOM will yield benefits for content maintenance and exchange of learning objects between publishers, services providers, and technical platforms. Pedagogic questions, e.g., how standardized learning objects can be used to guide learners through a number of learning experiences towards enhanced levels of knowledge and competency, are neglected. Furthermore, there are competing standards and the complexity of processes, subsystems, and functions in learning systems will make the implementation of standards challenging. The paper outlines the present state of standardization efforts and confronts technical standards with the complexity of a learning model for adult learners. It is proposed to use a workflow/learn-flow engine as a core module of learning management systems together with different types of learning objects. Functions and processes of a learn-flow driven LMS are outlined.