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This mapping can be viewed as a framework of major technology infrastructure replacement initiatives.
building blocks tied together by an underlying fabric By using open standards over loosely coupled networks,
of interoperability, communications and collaboration governance of and accountability for these resources
services, school business intelligence, and technology can be assigned to a single agency. This approach yields
standards. These are the building blocks of the technology a flexible solution which facilitates the organizational
infrastructure that will address challenges found in the agility required by the demands of the ecosystem. Global
learning ecosystem of today, and enable the Connected information technology standards including the Schools
Learning Community of tomorrow. Interoperability Framework (SIF) and the Instructional
Management Systems Global Learning Consortium (IMS)
School Data Interoperability are also necessary components of the infrastructure.
Data interoperability enables disparate applications
whether centrally hosted, or locally hosted and administered Communications and Collaboration Services
to share and orchestrate student data lowering total costs The communications and collaboration fabric provides
and improved by reducing double entry of data. Data essential services which will be consumed by the student,
interoperability normally consists of: parent, teacher, and administrator education spaces. These
services include:
• A common data model for student data, expressed as
XML schemas
• A common set of protocols for exchanging data in the Messaging
common data model between applications A robust messaging infrastructure which can provide:
• A data security and data privacy model enforced by the • “Safe” or filtered e-mail for students
system • E-mail services for parents, students, teachers, and
• A set of common business rules governing the sharing, administrators available through standards-compliant
replicating, and updating of student data in a reliable clients or Web browsers in multiple form-factors,
and secure fashion including mobile phones and personal digital assistants
• Services for group collaboration including document
Technology Standards storage, workflow automation, and discussion areas
Schools need a flexible infrastructure that fits their
unique needs. This infrastructure should be based on open Internet Access
technology standards such as XML and Web-based services A robust infrastructure which can provide “safe” or
communicating over the HTTP protocol. This allows loosely “filtered” Internet access for students and teachers, able
coupled systems to function as one. In this fashion, mission- to apply policies as determined at government, local
critical information can be housed in secure data centers education authority, school, teacher, and/or parental
which can be centrally supported, and various services levels. Furthermore, teachers will require the ability to
can be provided through application service providers easily monitor and manage access to certain technologies
according to service level agreements. This technology in order to efficiently manage classroom and learning
infrastructure is modular in nature, enabling the ability activities.
to expand service offerings while reducing the need for

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