A framework for the implementation of an education environment based on metadata

Abstract

This paper aims to present the main issues concerning the evolving learning process and the supporting infrastructure, for the use of the e-content through out a delivery system, in order to support Lifelong Learning in the framework of an e-university. One of the current trends in Life-Long Learning is the development of student learning material and efficient searching of the e-content in particular areas of professional knowledge. The rapid increase of education resources makes it difficult to search, manage and reuse e-learning content. The use of metadata for describing the content is an efficient way to solve the problem. A resource can be unusable without information about properties such as location or availability of the resource. Learning Resource Metadata Management Systems can support the learning resources repositories giving efficient reuse of stored information. For this reason the Instructional Management Systems (IMS) [5] project has been developing specifications to facilitate the growth of online activities in the area of education. Based on IMS project and on the need to re-use the content already present in the Web-based education servers, after a comparative study of existing work of product environments, we suggest an open system for search, exchange and brokerage of e-learning resources between institutions of higher education. This paper outlines a framework to facilitate the description, localization and use of educational content, available in servers compatible with the IMS recommendations. In our case the IMS standard refers to the description of metadata. Our goal is also to find how the functionality of this environment, meets the requirements of a comprehensive e-University, in order to enhance existing educational environments.