SCORM Frameworker: A pedagogically principled meta-data coding tool

As needs for online courseware increase within the government and industry, several metadata standards have been developed to improve the reusability and interoperability of learning objects. IAI proposes to continue development of Frameworker , a tool that helps developers rapidly and parsimoniously code metadata for learning objects. Metadata specifications,are designed to make learning objects easier to find and reuse. They define a set of elements and values that allow different learning objects to be found and used together. However, it may be difficult for a courseware author to find, understand, and implement these various metadata standards, elements and existing classification systems. Frameworker is designed to help alleviate these problems, while yielding ultimate control to the courseware developer. The main benefits of Frameworker include (1) decreased dependence on human expertise by semi-automated selection of metadata elements and classification systems, (2) increased authoring efficiency by minimizing the number of these that are coded for each learning object, (3) easier and more accurate coding, and (4) facilitating convergence by making overlapping classification systems available across a community of developers. The overarching objectives are to broaden educational metadata usage and stimulate the development and use of technologies that are critical to advancing distance learning.