Content formats
This page provides an introduction to standards issues around Content formats. See also the Recommended standards on Content formats.
You may also be interested in reading the VET e-learning content development guidelines.
- What are content formats?
- Why are content formats important?
- How do standards facilitate access to content?
What are content formats?
Content formats refer to the internal file structure of learning resources. Formats for content to be viewed in a web browser include the scripting language to be used and its version (eg HTML 4.01), and the kind of audio, video and graphic files (eg JPEG) to be embedded. The format of content files to be downloaded (eg PDF) is also included.
Why are content formats important?
Early e-learning content was sometimes produced in proprietary formats that could only be used on a particular platform or in a particular learning management system. There is now general recognition that content needs to be developed to standards which make it portable between different web browsers, platforms and learning management systems.
How do standards facilitate access to content?
Use of open and widely supported standards for content will ensure that:
- content can be successfully accessed by users using a range of browsers, including text readers, without having to install proprietary plug-ins
- content can be modified by teachers and other content developers where this is necessary and consistent with intellectual property conditions
- content can be accessed, and where necessary manipulated, by learners without requiring expensive proprietary software
- providers of e-learning comply with their legal requirements to make services available to all users under disability discrimination legislation.
