A survey of current state-of-the art support for lifelong learning

The development of new models, methods and tools to support distance learning, in particular asynchronous learning environments and "virtual classrooms", has been significant over the last ten years. During this period many new standards have been defined, with those related to learning objects, such as IEEE LOM and IMS, having a major influence on this development. As part of research work being carried out for a funded research project on workplace learning and for a PhD project on novel e-learning models, a survey of current state-of-the art support for lifelong learning was carried out by the authors. This paper describes the outcomes of that survey, with particular reference to the embedding of learning in social context through the use of the variety of tools, techniques and methods identified. The paper concentrates on the areas of distance learning, asynchronous learning environments, virtual classrooms and virtual labs, and learning objects. Intended to provide background reference for researchers in this field, the paper also identifies the current main research topics and future directions in this rapidly-developing and changing field.