The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) defines a Web-based learning "Content Aggregation Model", and "Run-Time Environment" for learning objects. The SCORM is a collection of standards and specifications derived from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive suite of e-learning capabilities to enable interoperability, accessibility and reusability of Web-based learning content. This session will provide an introductory look at the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative, SCORM and conformance requirements.

Dr. Michael W. Freeman is the Deputy Director of the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In this capacity he is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the ADL Co-Laboratories, specification and standards bodies, academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers, and with other organizations within the Department of Defense. Dr. Freeman is also responsible for exploring and experimenting with advanced training technologies, such as massive multiplayer online games, job performance technologies and alternate methods to assess knowledge and performance through networked communications.

Dr. Freeman is also the Acting Director of the Joint ADL Co-Laboratory. As the Acting Director, Dr. Freeman's primary mission is to provide support and assistance to the military services as they move towards the goals of the ADL Initiative sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Dr. Freeman is responsible for the planning and management of the Joint ADL Co-Lab, including providing overall direction and control of both government and contractual staff personnel. In support of this mission, Dr. Freeman and his staff conduct ADL research, outreach and prototype development. The objective is to provide a collaborative environment in which government, academia and industry can share best practices and lessons learned to improve ADL instruction.

Dr. Freeman received his doctorate in vocational and technical education with a focus on distributed learning from Clemson University in 1999. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Army Management Staff College and Army Engineer officer career courses. He is also a graduate of the Army Jumpmaster course and has been awarded the Army Senior Parachutist badge.

Dr. Freeman has over twenty-four years of international, operational, academic, business and strategic planning experience. Prior to assuming his duties as the Deputy Director in September, 2003, Dr. Freeman investigated advanced distributed learning applications in military environments as a Senior Research Scientist with Old Dominion University Research Foundation in Norfolk, VA and developed innovative military training strategies as a director in the Defense Group, Computer Sciences Corporation. A career military officer, he led the combat engineer training development and technology program for the U.S. Army Engineer School and was responsible for directly managing contracts totaling over $20 million and coordinating service to over 200,000 customers nationwide as Program Manager for Distance Learning and Reserve Component Simulations, U.S. Army Forces Command.

Dr. Freeman currently serves as vice chair (experts seminars) of the IEEE Learning Technology Technical Committee and is a consultant on training issues to the Army Science Board.