The Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) is a digital record of a student’s knowledge and accomplishments. The CLR does not replace the traditional academic transcript, but is more useful for students and employers because it documents more than just credits earned. A CLR can include learning experiences and achievements including courses, competencies, skills, co-curricular achievements, prior learning, internships and experiential learning.  The digital record will show a complete picture of what the learner has already accomplished and what they are capable of. CLRs are helping drive an important shift in recordkeeping at colleges and universities.

The 1EdTech Comprehensive Learner Record effort (formerly IMS Global) is a specification designed to create, transmit, and render an individual's set of achievements, as issued by multiple learning providers, in a machine-readable format that can be curated into verifiable digital records of achievement. Per 1EdTech, the CLR data design supports formal and informal learning from K-20 and into employment, in a web-ready linked-data document. The CLR data model supports many types of learning experiences. Its support for JSON-LD means that Comprehensive Learner Records are compatible with the structured data ecosystem of digital credentials.

CLRs help provide students metacognitive knowledge about themselves in order to focus on important gaps in their educational and career goals. Transparency and standardization of the CLR gives employers a better understanding of the skills that learners present when they apply for employment. As explained by EDUCAUSE, by helping higher education focus on skills, competencies, and learning outcomes versus classes taken and grades, "the CLR will enhance integration between what colleges teach, what learners learn and what capacities they master, and what abilities employers can expect when they hire learners with particular experience and credentials."

By: Alex Alo
Project Manager