Semantic Learning Object Repositories

Current approaches towards enhancing reusability of learning materials agree that the concept of learning object is the key element of a new approach based on the creation of distributed repositories. In this new approach, learning objects can be accessed, searched and retrieved, making use of the information in their associated metadata records. The existence of different learning object definitions asks for a new generation of flexible repositories where all the existent conceptualisations can coexist. Ontological representations play, in this new generation of repositories, an important role as the basic support for sound semantic models that fulfil the new requirements. This paper introduces the main ideas about a new generation of flexible repositories, aimed at fitting all the definitions of learning object: the semantic repository.