Learning objects as a uniform foundation for e-learning platforms

Learning objects are under discussion in the context of electronic and in particular Web-based learning. Intuitively, they represent reusable units of learning content that can be consumed or studied within a single learning session, and that can be sequenced into larger units such as classes and courses if necessary or desired. To achieve these goals, making learning objects amenable to the technical support of a database system appears appropriate. Once this view is in place, learning objects can be used as the central and uniform foundation of an e-learning platform that, for example, is capable of tracking users or of adapting content to users, and that can simultaneously handle a company's knowledge management. It is shown in this paper how the latter can be achieved through a common exploitation of (and interaction between) database objects and suitably designed processes.