Concept-based Learning Object Management

Gregory Thompson, M.D., Medantic Technology, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

ABSTRACT:

Medantic Technology is developing the A to Z approach to online learning object authoring and course development. Beginning with custom tools to build domain-specific concept-based taxonomies, we index raw digital assets (images, sound files, Flash animations, etc) against controlled concepts and their synonyms. The indexed assets are stored for later retrieval within a learning object authoring environment. New learning objects can be created which consist of the indexed asset, plus original textual content and audio narration rolled into a single Flash movie. New Flash learning objects are again indexed against controlled concepts for rapid search and retrieval. These learning objects are re-usable and sharable within disparate learning management systems. Indexed learning objects are then strung together with transitional phraseology to create a course.

We will discuss:

1. Indexing against controlled concepts (and their synonyms) affords a consistency in indexing, search, and retrieval not possible with keyword indexing.

2. Integrating an authoring system with a digital asset management system affords greater efficiency in the authoring and course development process.

3. The use of sharable and re-usable learning objects obviates the need to reproduce similar or identical content for different contexts and purposes.

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:

An important key to rapid and efficient online course development is the use of sharable and reusable learning objects. Meeting participants will see an early and innovative approach to learning object creation and course development, which capitalizes on concept-based digital asset management. Participants will also hear the argument against keyword indexing of assets for search and retrieval.

Gregory Thompson, M.D.

629 Aloha Rd.

Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Phone: 801-363-3699

Fax: 305-402-0144

Email: mailto:greg@medantic.com

Website: http://www.medantic.com