An Ontological Approach for Semantic-Aware Learning Object Retrieval

SCORM LOM (sharable courseware object reference model learning object metadata) , enables the indexing, location, management, and searching of learning objects in a learning object repository by extended sharing and searching features. However, LOM has a deficiency in semantic-awareness capability. In most information retrieval systems, users' cognitive ability on what they need is a basic system assumption. However, in e-learning systems, users may have no idea on what they want and what the learning objects' metadata is. This paper presents an ontological approach for semantic-aware learning object retrieval. This approach is generic enough to be embedded to other LOM-based search mechanisms to achieve semantic-aware learning object retrieval