Abstract :
Trends and the future roles of technology standardization and open source software in the e-learning field are described by comparing with movements in the ICT field. Standardization and open source software provide a competitive and cooperative framework through which anyone can contribute to the rapid and diverse evolution and promotion of technology. Since the significance of standardization and the open source software has been well recognized in the e-learning field, international efforts to develop e-learning technology standards and open source e-learning platforms are emerging.
Considerable efforts, which have been synchronized with these international activities, have been made in Japan by the government and corporate sector to promote e-learning standards and open source software. Collaborative activities with Asian countries have also taken place. Mutual benefits to stakeholders have been emphasized through these practices as being the most important factor in the promotion of e-learning standards.