A Learning Object Model

Digital libraries are fast expanding into the role of independent educational entities that aspire not only to complementing traditional classroom teaching, but also allow open electronic learning for distance and continued education. These multifaceted roles can be realized only if the course content and the related content management system are versatile enough to be captured into any individual’s learning needs. Many studies have defined a concept of “learning object” to address the issues and needs. But in attempting to solve the problem, the definitions have emphasized some aspects of the digital library while leaving the other issues to be solved later. Thus, the whole system dynamics is either weak or too cumbersome to navigate. As a part of this masters work, firstly the current model of pedagogical endowment was investigated. In order to accommodate the digital nature of education, a new modern profile of learning is proposed that allows modular yet efficient transfer of knowledge from the teacher to the pupil. The thesis then proposes a comprehensive learning object (LO) model, along with the associated system model, that will allow complete and flexible integration of content into the modern digital library profile. The process will be user-centric (both for knowledge developers and learners) as well as metadata-centric. It is scalable and interoperable with legacy and existing content databases and display systems. This thesis covers how the LO model is integrated into the core of the library’s content development, discovery, and delivery process. The results of the experiment in terms of ease-of-use, flow-control, and feasibility of the model are documented. A beta-version of these concepts has been successfully tested with volunteers and implemented as a part of the Digital Library Network for Engineering and Technology (DLNET) project.