Repository and search based on distance learning standards

The development of distance learning materials relies on good instructional design guidance as well as convenient authoring tools. Yet, reusing learning objects is feasible with advanced computer and network technologies. In addition to use a common representation of learning objects (e.g., SCORM, QTI, Common Cartridge), infrastructure and repository framework to store these objects are critical, not only to guarantee storage efficiency but to encourage material exchange. How to effectively search and find learning objects in the repository framework thus play an important role. This presentation addresses a few research issues, with partial solutions for repository construction with guided search. The talk will start from an introduction of a few de facto distance learning standards, with demonstration of related systems developed by the presenter. The discussion then continues with a repository framework called CORDRA, with newly proposed technologies for learning object retrieval. Interested readers are welcome to look at software demonstrations at http://www.mine.tku.edu.tw.