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Learning Object Repository - LOR
Learning Object Repository (LOR) functionality can be divided into three levels. The first level offers sharable learning objects. At this level the LOR has the functionality of a library. The learning objects are retrieved and used as they were checked in by the original author. The structure of the learning object and the LOR architecture do not support their deconstruction and re-purposing other than to accommodate alternative hardware platforms. Most learning object repositories in Canada and elsewhere fit into this category.
However, most educators would like to customize learning content to their learning context. The second level of functionality provides support for learning object re-purposing. The learning content is sufficiently structured or sufficiently granular to allow educators to swap components to adapt the learning object to a specific curriculum requirement, local context or background knowledge. A number of LORs around the world are just beginning to explore this functionality to positive effect.
The third level of functionality acknowledges that learners are very diverse. Each learner brings to the learning situation their own unique set of skills, background knowledge, motivations, learning goals, learning approaches, learning pace and accessibility needs. This level of functionality supports the construction of learning content that is independent of presentation and control. It provides enough structure and granularity to allow the reassembly of learning content according to the needs and preferences of the learner. This level of functionality is virtually unexplored.
The Barrierfree project developed this functionality for interactive video objects and their associated media objects. This project furthers this work by expanding the functionality to include the range of media types used in e-learning and by expanding the types of user preferences that can be responded to. This provides a new level of functionality that does not merely provide equivalents to existing learning paradigms and tools but introduces innovative approaches to learning that are only made possible through broadband network delivered education. Presently no learning object repository is compliant with even basic accessibility guidelines with the exception of the Barrierfree Repository. TILE works with other Canadian LOR initiatives to insure that accessibility guidelines are followed.