Sled
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Type of application / System Requirements
Server application. It requires Java 1.4.2 or later installed on the server. Sled runs on top of CopperCore and consequently it has to be previously installed (see CopperCore Sandbox for more details). There is a Windows download which includes CopperCore, although more advanced users can install them independently. More information is available from the project site http://sled.open.ac.uk.
A demo to access an example of Unit of Learning is available at http://sled.open.ac.uk/web/demo/demo.jsp
Purpose
Sled stands for Service Based Learning Design. It is a player for presenting IMS Learning Design Units of Learning (UoLs). It has been developed mainly by The Open University (UK). Sled is not an LD engine and consequently has to connect to CopperCore, through the CopperCore Service Integration Module (CCSI). The Sled player also provides a web interface for managing users (with their corresponding roles) and runs. It also gives access to external services such as a sample forum and a search service. It can also be connected to other services, for instance, a QTI service.
What it does
Sled provides the support to run Units of Leaning in practice. The number of services currently supported by Learning Design is limited, and SLED provides a way of integrating more services, which are educationally needed, such as assessments (for instance, through QTI APIS), or blogs, ...
How can it be used for creation of OERs
SLED is intended for running educational activities, not for creating them.
How can it be used for consumption of OERs
SLED is probably the best current option for running Units of Learning in real courses.
How can it be used for reuse of OERs
SLED has got an architecture which is service oriented. In that sense, the reuse of educational components is promoted: plugging services into SLED is an attractive alternative for integrating them into a flow of learning activities.
License support
GNU Library or Lesser General Public License (LGPL)
Standards / Compatibility
Sled supports IMS Learning Design. Through its service oriented architecture, it can support other standards.
HOW TO USE IT
How to install and use the most recent version of SLED can be found at the project web page at http://sled.open.ac.uk.
The SourceForge link to the project is http://sourceforge.net/projects/ldplayer/.
Once SleD is installed, there are two levels of use: - as a user, a learner or a teacher, can go through the Units of Learning - as an administrator, who can manage Units of Learning, users, ... Both types of use work through an easy to use web interface, after the appropriate logging in.
Links / examples / Who is using it
- SLeD Integration Demonstrator project (SLIDe): this is a JISC funded project to install and evaluate the SLeD (Service-Based Learning Design) system at Liverpool Hope University. The evaluation was conducted in 2005.
- The European project OpenDock is currently running around 20 Units of Learning on a Sled server installed at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (http://galactus.upf.edu:8081/sled3/)
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra is also using Sled for running a pilot on digital cinema post-production (Virtual Set Online Diploma), http://galactus.upf.edu:8081/sled3/. Learners have access to the materials, including video-lectures, while tutors can monitor the progress of students. A blog and a forum are also been used to provide communication.
Sandbox
Demonstration of the Sled Player at The Open University: http://sled.open.ac.uk/web/demo/demo.jsp
SLeD can be downloaded (in executable form, for several operating systems) from the main page of the project http://sled.open.ac.uk/ or from SourceForge (the source code) http://sourceforge.net/projects/ldplayer/.
The project site has a lot of documentation of installation, user manuals, etc.
Comments / Discussion
As indicated earlier, SLed is likely to be the best option for running Units of Learning in actual courses. The interface can be customised. The management interface, and tools, probably would require improvement for heavy use. There are some minor problems related to the use of different browsers.
