Overview
ISO/IEC 12785-2:2011 defines the XML binding for the Content Packaging Information Model used in learning, education, and training. In plain terms, it specifies how the conceptual model from ISO/IEC 12785-1 is represented as XML Schema (XSD) so that learning content packages (manifests, resources, metadata, organizations, files) can be serialized, validated and exchanged between systems.
This part contains:
- XML Schema documentation and XSD artefacts (core and extension schemas)
- Element and complex type bindings (e.g., manifest, metadata, organizations, resources, file, dependency)
- Namespace and validation rules (IMS Global namespace policy, strict validation)
- Guidance on using Schematron and VDEX vocabulary files
Key technical topics and requirements
- XML Schema binding: Concrete XSD bindings for the information model (Annex B lists the XSDs). Element names are mapped to IMS Global namespace URIs to ensure globally unique identifiers.
- Core elements: Detailed bindings for core structures such as manifest (with attributes like identifier, version and xml:base), Manifest.Type, Resource.Type, File.Type, Dependency.Type, Metadata.Type, Organization/Organizations.Type.
- Extensibility and namespaces: Schemas allow additional attributes/elements from other namespaces (processContents="strict") to support safe extensions while enforcing strict validation for the schema’s namespace.
- Validation: Support for strict XML Schema validation and optional Schematron rules for additional constraints.
- Vocabularies: Uses VDEX (Vocabulary Definition Exchange) files for controlled vocabularies referenced by the binding.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO/IEC 12785-2 is targeted at developers and organizations that need interoperable packaging of digital learning materials:
- LMS and e‑learning platform vendors implementing content import/export and launch flows
- Content authors and publishers packaging courses, modules and reusable learning objects
- Tool and authoring-tool developers generating valid manifests and package XSDs
- Systems integrators and implementers building import/export pipelines or migration tools
- Standards and QA teams validating content packages against the CP XML binding
Benefits include reliable interchange of learning content, consistent manifest structure for launch, and the ability to validate packages programmatically.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 12785-1:2009 - Content Packaging Information Model (conceptual model and conformance)
- ISO/IEC 12785-3 - Best practice and implementation guidance (non‑normative)
- IMS Content Packaging XSD (IMSGLOBAL) and VDEX vocabularies used by the binding
Keywords: ISO/IEC 12785-2, content packaging XML binding, manifest, XSD, IMS Content Packaging, learning content interoperability, metadata, resources, VDEX, Schematron.