This paper aims to define the need for a route modelling language in e‐learning, identifying requirements and candidate languages, before providing a recommended approach.
Several sources of requirements are drawn from the literature then used to review available approaches to route modelling. The best candidate is then applied in a number of case studies to check its applicability.
An existing open standard, IMS learning design, is identified as meeting the requirements. To date the standard has been applied in a different area, so the match to the route modelling problem is favorable.
The scope of the work excluded an examination of requirements arising in the lifecycle management of routes; further investigation should check this point.
Practical application is hampered by the lack of an appropriate e‐learning infrastructure in which to apply the approach. Pilot infrastructures should become available in the next 18 months to two years.
The work puts an existing e‐learning specification in a new light, avoiding the need to develop a new language. Since tools and experience with the specification are already available, prospects for its adoption in a new role are favorable.
