Glossary
Asset
A single, media file such as an image, text snippet, audio or video clip, or applet (Adapted from http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/102902MGT-H.pdf ) This corresponds to the smallest level of aggregation in the LOM.
Dublin Core
Dublin Core is a metadata element set that is standard for cross-domain information resource description. It provides a simple and standardized set of conventions for describing things online in ways that make them easier to find. Dublin Core is widely used to describe digital materials such as video, sound, image, text, and composite media like web pages.
Federation
Federation is an agreement between two or more repositories which allows each repository to interact with the others based upon an agreed upon set of policies. Through federation, users may not only search for a learning object in one repository, they may also search for that object in any repositories with which it is federated.
Granularity
Granularity of digital learning resources refers to size, decomposability and the extent to which a resource is intended to be used as part of a larger resource. Granularity is important in defining and determining reusability. Each level of granularity has a different inherent degree of ability to be decomposed into more granular pieces, and each level of granularity has different inherent expectations for reuse.
A related term, aggregation level, is used in IEEE Learning Object Metadata (LOM) to describe “the functional granularity” of a learning object. The IEEE LOM Standard (IEEE LOM, 2002) is used in the learning technology community and is incorporated into other specifications and standards.
The Learnativity Foundation[ http://www.learnativity.org/] has developed a content model or aggregation model (Wagner, 2002 at: http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/102902MGT-H.pdf)that is useful for describing granularity.
[Adapted from: Reusable Learning. (2007). Reusable Learning: Granularity. RetrievedSeptember 7, 2007 from http://www.reusablelearning.org/index.asp?id=28
IEEE LOM
The IEEE 1484.12.1 – 2002 Standard for Learning Object Metadata is an internationally-recognised open standard (published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, New York) for the description of “learning objects”. Relevant attributes of learning objects to be described include: type of object; author; owner; terms of distribution; format; and attributes, such as teaching or interaction style.
Information Object
Two or more pieces of digital content, such as web page (s), activities, simulations, animations, or tutorials that illustrate a principle, explain a concept, or describe a process or procedure. Information objects can be combined to form a learning object. Information objects can be disassembled into content assets. (Adapted from http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/102902MGT-H.pdf) An information object corresponds to LOM aggregation level 1.
Learning Component
A collection or group of learning objects. A learning component typically has multiple learning objectives or instructional purposes. One or more collections of learning components constitute a course. A learning component corresponds to LOM aggregation level 3.
Learning Object
There are many definitions for learning object. A learning object can refer to any digital asset which can be used to enable teaching or learning. These assets might be simple images, documents, or media files, or they can be lessons, groups of lessons, or entire courses. A more formalized definition for a learning object is a resource that contains content, practice activities, and assessment items (either graded or self-assessment) that are linked to one or more educational objectives. By either definition, learning objects are digital content that can be used and reused for teaching and learning. These objects are flexible, portable, interoperable (across any standard platforms) and accessible. Learning objects are formed by assembling a relevant reusable information objects. Learning objects may be sequenced and bundled to form larger learning components, such as lessons and courses.
LDAP
LDAP is used to look up encryption certificates, pointers to printers and other services on a network, and provide "single sign on" where one password for a user is shared between many services. LDAP is appropriate for any kind of directory-like information, where fast lookups and less-frequent updates are the norm. http://www.gracion.com/server/whatldap.html
Metadata
This term literally means “data about data.” In repositories, metadata is descriptive information attached to digital resources that allows cataloguing and aids in resource identification, management, and discovery.
OAI harvesting
This is a method for gathering together metadata from a number of distributed repositories into a combined data store. It allows digital repositories to expose metadata about their objects for harvesting by aggregators. The OAI-PMH protocol does not provide a search across this data; it makes it possible to bring the data together in one place. In order to provide services, the harvesting approach must be combined with other mechanisms. “Harvesters" from one repository search the metadata records in other repositories and return information on updated records. Harvesters can be set to search for new or updated items on a set schedule. Harvested metadata is stored in the harvesting repository, where it can be searched by repository users. If the user would like to access the actual resource associated with the metadata, the resource can then be retrieved from the repository where it resides. [Adapted from OAI for Beginners: Overview and Inside CDL
Open Access
Open access refers to the practice of making materials freely available for all users to read and use.
Open Source
Open source refers to computer software in which the programming source code is openly available. For additional information, visit the Open Source Initiative: http://opensource.org/
