Personal Collection in MERLOT as a Compilation of Learning Object Repository

Abstract

This study focuses on the phenomenon of Personal Collection in a big central portal connected to multiple learning object repositories, called MERLOT. This portal contains only the object meta- data and allows users access to the learning materials stored in several online repositories. A Personal Collection is a compilation of MERLOT modules that MERLOT Members can access easily to use for specific purposes, classes or topics. Personal Collections (PCs) can promote the reuse of Open Educational Resources and enhance pedagogical content knowledge. PCs offer the stimulating possibility of personalizing public learning object repositories, with the emphasis on the individual. Even though PCs add a strong element of personalization to the system, they still retain the many institutional benefits of learning object repositories. The objective of the study is to explore the PCs extent of use in the MERLOT repository and to understand the experience of the repository members who were first to adopt these PCs with the creation process, its design and patterns of usage, in order to expand the use of PC to other active members, along with understanding the advantages of PCs and their instructional value.