Choosing an Online Learning Platform focusing on Reusability of Learning Objects and its Implications for Comparison Schemata Design

Project decisions about suitability of existing online learning platforms are often discussed by using project specific proprietary comparison schemata or via a comparison service offered in the world wide web. As educational material in form of learning objects becomes more available focusing on content reusability aspects is becoming more important for online learning platforms due to cost minimization in content production and preparation for content reusal. Exactly these reusability aspects can hardly be found in these comparison schemata. In learning platforms learning objects are stored in database management systems by using document management systems. Modularization of courses and course building elements as objects are essential for reusability. For effective administration, storage, search, and retrieval of these elements as a part of a reusability process metadata descriptions of the processed learning objects are neccessary and fundamental. Our approach to enrich comparison schemata by adding reusability specific elements fills the existing gap between metadata and reusability features implemented in available online learning platforms and popular used comparative analysis tools for online learning platforms, respectively.