An online process for posting and meta-tagging learning objects and integrating contents into digital libraries

Digital libraries are fast expanding into the role of independent educational entities that aspire not only to complementing traditional classroom teaching, hut also allow open electronic learning for distance and continued education. Many studies have defined a concept of "learning object" to address the issues and needs. But in attempting to solve the problem, the definitions have emphasized some aspects of the digital library while leaving the other issues to be solved later. In this paper, the authors have proposed a comprehensive learning object (LO) model, along with the associated system model, that will allow complete and flexible integration of content into digital libraries. The process will be user-centric (both for knowledge developers and learners), scalable and interoperable with legacy and existing content databases and display systems. This paper covers how the LO model was integrated into the core of the library's content development, discovery, and delivery process. The results of the experiment in terms of ease-of-use, flow-control, and feasibility of the model are documented.