Learning object metadata

Learning Object Metadata (LOM ) (English, " Metadata for Learning Objects " ) is an open standard for metadata describing learning objects, in 2002 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) has been adopted.

Motivation for a metadata standard for learning objects

In most applications, the learning content developed ( Contents) are closely related to the application for which the content was developed. Given the high costs that are associated with the development of such resources, ways were sought for how such content can be exchanged between applications. First of all the resources of a learning application with meta - data must be provided, which are standardized and describe the learning content so that they can be used in another application on. If learning content with metadata encapsulated in this way, it is called learning objects.

The Learning Object Metadata (LOM ) standard has now been developed to facilitate the exchange to facilitate the search, collection and use of learning objects. It enables the sharing and exchange of learning objects through the development of directories and inventory lists that take into account cultural and linguistic differences.

Structure of LOM

The basic structure of LOM consists of nine categories:

On the one hand helps the detailed characterization of the learning objects in the search for specific content and document formats, and on the other hand when assessing whether certain learning programs for their own purposes are suitable. In addition, LOM tries emerging issues such as with respect to the timeliness of the document, with other learning materials to solve the compatibility in advance. Next, the type of learning object (exercise, simulation, questionnaire, diagram, table, text, etc.) may interactivity degree, didactic context, level of difficulty, the average age of the target group and other educational aspects are described with the standard.

Standardization

The standardization is an essential requirement of the future LOM insert. Only through agreed standards metadata can be created that provides a layer between database and application for the necessary data transparency and the possibility of data transfer. While with unified standards still very hard time in Germany, there is a very good, developed in Canada by model standards, the Cancore ( from the idea similar to the Dublin Core). Since March 2005

Languages

An attempt is made to identify alternative versions of teaching and learning materials in different languages ​​and to make the origin of the respective translation locate. This is intended to ensure that the metadata is localized and can be translated into different languages.