Repository and Search Based on Distance Learning Standards

Abstract

With the popularity of Internet technologies and the development of search engine, people request various kinds of information through Web-based services. In distance learning (or e-learning), SCORM (i.e., Sharable Content Object Reference Model) provides an efficient way for learning objects to be reused and shared. In order to meet a federated repository goal such that Learning Objects are found, the CORDRA (Content Object Repository Discovery and Registration/Resolution Architecture) provides a common architecture for discovering and sharing these Learning Objects. We follow SCORM and CORDRA specifications to develop a registry system, called MINE Registry, for storing and sharing Learning Objects. As a contribution, we proposed the concept of “Reusability Tree” to represent the relation among relevant Learning Objects. In this paper, we further make a deeper step to collect relevant information while utilizing Learning Objects, such as citations and time period persisted. Through theses information, we propose a mechanism to weight and rank Learning Objects. As a new contribution, we provide a mechanism and tool called “Search Guider” to assist users in finding relevant information based on individual requirements.