Federation and brokerage of learning objects and their metadata

The CeLeBraTe (Context eLearning with Broadband Technologies) project is developing a system to support a European Learning Network (ELN) of virtual learning environments capable of exchanging digitally stored learning resources. The ELN is built around a Brokerage System that manages exchanges between its members. Unlike other virtual learning environment networks based on a client-server architecture, CeLeBraTe is based on a mixed approach where, although the brokerage system hosts a central metadata repository, each ELN member is also authorized to manage its own local metadata repository. Search requests are both handled centrally and propagated to local repositories.