Best practices for current learning repositories: The case of Agrega

Abstract

In recent years the presence and importance of learning objects repositories like Agrega has increased in the educational community. Meanwhile, several trends have gained momentum, notably open education, cloud computing or the web of linked data as a realization of the Semantic Web. Educational repositories should encompass all these trends to maintain high levels of service. This paper proposes a set of best practices to the Spanish Learning Object repository Agrega, aiming to improve on its current retrieval, interoperability and reuse capabilities. As a guiding principle, the user's perspective and needs are given priority. The most recent learning technologies and semantic web standards are considered in this approach, including ISO/IEC MLR, LRMI and RAMLET metadata specifications. This set of recommendations aims to serve as a basis for other learning resources repositories, as well to any other kind of repository, currently planning to adopt the new generation of standards and technologies, like the linked data web.