Article Summary #9: Digital Learning Object Repositories, a LS 566 post

H. Frank Cervone in DigitalLearning Object Repositories discusses issues in developing digital repository for learning objects. Most repositories do not have the functions or capabilities needed to store, maintain, and develop the materials. The objects in these repositories are meant to be reused and in multiple contexts in which they can be customized; on top of that the object has be maintained so that it can relate to the original object. Cervone mentioned the MERLOT repository citing its use of social functionality to provide peer review and evaluation of the learning materials which leads to a form of quality control. He explains that learning object repositories are different from traditional repositories in how the materials are organized, also traditional repositories do not have the levels of support needed for support learning objects. Things have to be carefully constructed and considered with the development of repositories for learning objects.

It is interesting to see the differences in the types of repositories in existence. While the goal of the repositories are essentially the same the methods are greatly different. Cervone provided a good overview of the different issues pertaining to digital repositories. It highlights the fact that they are very different types of digital objects that require different types of ways to maintain them.