BS 8581-1:2012

Learning providers use course information in a range of different contexts; from validation and approval through to applications and record systems. To improve internal processes, new and enhanced services are being introduced to assist those working with course related information.

BS 8581-1:2012 enables course information to be shared more efficiently between information systems, learning providers and related organizations to better promote learning opportunities to prospective students.

The standard specifies requirements for applications that produce and aggregate XCRI CAP documents. Its format and common definitions make it possible for information in different systems to be shared and updated without having to re-enter data.

Joining systems together in this way allows information to be delivered more efficiently and ensure potential students have the information they need.

This standard is recommended by the UK government and generally applies across all sectors of UK education and training.

It specifies the requirements for:

• Policy makers prescribing a consistent approach for product advertisement that conforms to BS EN 15982 to learning opportunity providers;
• Decision makers specifying or procuring software for advertising or aggregating information about learning opportunities in a format that conforms to BS EN 15982;
• Software developers writing code for advertising or aggregating information about learning opportunities in a format that conforms to BS EN 15982

BS 8581-1:2012 is heavily based on the XCRI-CAP 1.2 specification, which has been developed and piloted with support from JISC and CETIS and is consistent with the European Standard BS EN 15982:2011 Metadata for learning opportunities – Advertising.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1 Scope

2 Normative references

3 Terms and definitions

4 Conformance

5 XCRI-CAP documents

6 Namespace

7 Core elements

8 Common elements

9 Common descriptive elements

10 Elements used in the provider element: the <location> element

11 Elements used in the course element

12 Elements used in the qualification element

13 Elements used in the presentation element

14 Processing XCRI-CAP XML documents

Bibliography

List of figures