Support

Frequently asked Questions

Getting The Help You Need

How Do I Contact TLA For Support?
Please send an e-mail to support or call 301-943-2020.

Open Source

What Is Open Source Software?
Open source software allows other programmers or companies to read, redistribute, modify, and use the software freely. The basic idea behind open source, as described by the Open Source Initiative states, "When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, people fix bugs. And this can happen at a speed that, if one is used to the slow pace of conventional software development, seems astonishing."

What Isn't Open Source?
Open source is different than "freeware" or "shareware" software that does not include distribution of the source code. Open source software ensures bugs are fixed quickly and that revisions incorporate user feedback.

E-Learning & Learning Management Systems

What Are E-Learning Systems?
E-Learning is defined as the delivery of content via all electronic media, including the Internet, intranets, extranets, wireless devices, satellite broadcasts, audio/video tape, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and DVDs.

What Are Learning Management Systems (LMS)?
An LMS is the centerpiece of an organization's e-learning strategy that enables the delivery, management, and administration of learning across an extended enterprise. The extended enterprise includes employees, customers, and value chain members such as clients/customers, VARs, etc. LMS systems help companies improve control over training and education. In addition, an LMS provides the foundation to improve the speed and effectiveness of the training process. An LMS typically provides registration capabilities for all types of learning events, home pages for students, automated course catalogs, classroom resource management, skills management, records and content keeping, and delivery of e-learning courses.

What sorts of capabilities are typically found in Learning Management Systems?
E-Learning systems may contain some or all of the following functions:

• Course scheduling and organization
• Online student enrollment and administration
• Skills assessment
• Course delivery
• Integration of third party content
• Tracking and report of learner progress
• Testing, certification, and results measurement
• Reporting of course completion
• Student records management
• Evaluation for performance improvement
• Limited interoperability with other vendors
• Hosting capabilities

What is SCORM?
Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM) represents the convergence of several related standards. It is a set of specifications originally derived from the military services, industry as well as liaisons with other Federal organizations. Coordinated by ADL, SCORM is an evolving set of requirements and solutions to test and validate new e-Learning technologies and provide a series of test bed projects for the emerging standards.

Links

Open Source Organization - (http://www.opensource.org)
OpenLMS Foundation - (http://www.openlmsfoundation.org)
ADL - (http://www.adlnet.org)