Hi Phil
Just to say that we are using intraLibrary at Leeds Met to develop an
integrated repository of Open Access research materials and Learning and
Teaching Objects.
We are still at an early stage in the project but certainly hope to link
directly to objects in the repository from the VLE (Blackboard Vista).
Intrallect have already developed a PowerLink (in conjunction with Keele
University I think) which "is a configurable plugin to Blackboard
Vista"..."It provides the ability to search an external repository and
add links to learning objects stored in that repository into a course."
(From Intrallect's documentation)
We are yet to move on to this phase of the project but I would certainly
be happy to share our experiences and learn from similar projects.
Regards
Nick
-----Original Message-----
From: Repositories discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Phil Barker
Sent: 29 August 2008 11:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Linking VLEs and repositories
Hello all,
I'm interested in hearing about work, ongoing or complete, that is
looking at linking repositories and VLEs.
Over the last year or more I've heard about various projects that are
aiming to "link their repository to their VLE", but I don't have a clear
picture about what is going on: I'm fairly sure that people mean many
things by "linking", and have a suspicion that some of them are doing
the same thing.
If anyone can point me at an overview of what's going on, then that
would be great, but I think that the information hasn't been collated
anywhere. If there isn't an overview anywhere, then I would be happy to
collate any information sent to me (if there's enough interest, I'll set
up a section of the CETIS wiki so that anyone who wants can correct the
mistakes I make).
I guess this is going to be mostly relevant to repositories (and
catalogues in some cases) containing learning materials. I'm more
interested in systems that can offer stand-alone repository functions
rather than those that are inextricably bound to a specific VLE (but if
anyone has comments on the usefulness of the functionality offered by
these embedded repositories I'ld be interested in hearing it)
The sort of things I would like to know are:
- what is the nature of the link? e.g. embedding a search of the
repository/catalogue into the VLE (and them what?--delivery straight to
the VLE?); using the repository to serve material when requested by the
VLE; slurping information out of a VLE to store it in the repository
(then what?); passing information on resource usage from the VLE to the
repository; searching the VLE from within the repository.
- what is the aim, what use cases are being met?
- which repository and VLE systems are being linked? To what extent is
the link system-specific (e.g. a blackboard building block or repository
plugin) or generic (e.g. uses SRU, RSS)
- what specifications / standards are being used? (I'm not so interested
right now in hearing about systems which provide, say, an SRU service
that could be used to integrate with a search in a VLE--I have a fair
idea which standards are in use: I'm after actual implementations)
- any reflections on what has worked well. Or not.
I've sent this message to the [log in to unmask] and will
send it to the [log in to unmask] If anyone thinks there might be
people on other lists (e.g. lists specific to a particular VLE or
repository) then please let me know or feel free to forward it yourself
(asking for replies to be sent to me!).
All the best, Phil
--
Phil Barker Learning Technology Adviser
ICBL, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Mountbatten Building, Heriot-Watt University,
Edinburgh, EH14 4AS
Tel: 0131 451 3278 Fax: 0131 451 3327
Web: http://www.icbl.hw.ac.uk/~philb/
--
Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish charity
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