[00:00:00] - Introduction

• Tom: Setting up today's discussion points: establishing new standards in software, using tech for effective learning, and the possible conflict between educational system administrators and students.
• Guest: David Ells, Managing Director of Open LMS, an open-source learning management system provider.
• Overview of David's background in online learning with over 15 years of experience, including work with the Department of Defense on the Experience API (XAPI).

[00:01:09] - Early Career and Entry into Learning Tech

• David: Shares his accidental entry into the learning tech field after earning a master's degree from MTSU.
• Initial job at Rustici Software leading to a career in educational technology.
• Discusses the meaningful impact of developing educational tools and the transformative power of education.

[00:03:53] - Importance of Experiential Learning in Hiring

• Tom: Probes the significance of certifications versus experience in hiring.
• David: Emphasizes experience and practical application of knowledge as primary hiring factors over certifications.

[00:05:35] - Introduction to XAPI

• Tom: Attempts to describe XAPI.
• David: Explains XAPI's basics—data format and communication protocol for learning events, allowing detailed tracking of learning activities across various platforms and contexts.

[00:07:37] - XAPI's Vision and Development

• Tom: Shares initial skepticism about XAPI but appreciates its potential.
• David: Discusses the broader vision of XAPI, including data mobility and creating verifiable credentials for lifelong learning records.
• Insights on corporate and academic applications and interoperability with different forms of learning content.

[00:10:52] - Industry Adoption and Impact of Standards

• David: Describes efforts to establish XAPI, parallels with existing industry standards, and the critical role of adoption.
• Historical context of SCORM and the unique challenges and opportunities it presented.

[00:15:00] - Rustici Software’s Contribution to XAPI

• Tom: Questions about Rustici’s role in developing SCORM and transitioning to XAPI.
• David: Details Rustici’s research and industry contributions leading to XAPI’s development and its collaborative approach.

[00:21:00] - Launching and Promoting XAPI

• David: Discusses the practical and marketing challenges in launching a new standard and gaining adoption.
• Realizations and reflections on what might have been done differently for better adoption rates.

[00:28:10] - XAPI’s Broader Applications and Limitations

• Tom: Explores XAPI’s potential beyond learning contexts.
• David: Outlines XAPI’s flexibility, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses, and practical applications in data-driven contexts.

[00:38:08] - Managing Data with Watershed

• Tom: Discusses the potential overwhelming amount of data XAPI could collect.
• David: Describes the importance of filtering data to extract meaningful insights and the role of tools like Watershed in this process.

[00:43:42] - Transition to Open LMS

• David: Talks about his move to Open LMS and the shift in focus to higher education.
• Differences between corporate and academic markets and the commonalities in learning management needs.

[00:45:03] - Comparing Corporate and Higher Education LMS Needs

• David: Discusses the evolving needs of universities to prepare students for careers and the corporate focus on skills-based training.

[00:50:14] - Conflict Between Learners and Administrators

• Tom: Expresses views on the inherent conflict between learners and administrators.
• David: Compares this to IT departments versus end-users, discussing the potential synergy with modern SaaS and cloud-based solutions.

[00:58:16] - Future of EdTech and Learning Systems

• David: Envisions a future where learning is skills-based and highly personalized, breaking the traditional degree format.
• Discusses the potential for more granular and modular learning experiences.

[01:00:10] - Collaborations Between Academia and Industry

• Tom: Asks about formalizing partnerships between universities and industries.
• David: Discusses the potential for these partnerships, acknowledging existing informal pipelines and the mutual benefits.

[01:02:17] - Personal Goals and Vision for Open LMS

• David: Shares his aspirations for the growth and success of Open LMS.
• Emphasizes the adaptability of Open LMS and its potential leadership in emerging educational trends.

[01:02:54] - Conclusion

• Tom: Thanks David Ells for the conversation.
• David: Expresses enjoyment and appreciation for the dialogue and Tom's writing.