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Academic Computing: The 'Object' of Content Management
6/24/2005
The Hive repository is server-based and “lives” outside the CMS. Content can be assigned several levels of metadata tags using IMS metadata schemas. Users can browse or search content using simple keyword searches or complex metadata searches. Content can be retrieved in several different ways and downloaded or can be accessed virtually on the Hive Server via a hyperlink. Content also can be packaged via IMS or SCORM to assure interoperability among course management systems.Lessons learned. From Broward’s proof-of-concept effort to create, store, retrieve, and reuse granular content assets to assemble and manage learning objects via a content repository, administrators there learned:
- Start small. Focus efforts around a single program or small cluster of courses. Don’t try to figure out the big picture; start with a project of manageable scale.
- Put someone in charge. Select and assign someone to become “the expert” in digital content management and repositories.
- Network with other pioneers. Find other institutions tackling content management, and make connections with peer pioneers/practitioners to learn about their efforts.
- Pay attention to metadata. Tagging content is time-consuming and need not be comprehensive; identifying metadata issues early on will minimize the overall effort as it matures.
- Focus on instructional design. Consider using templates and style sheets when converting content to HTML. They can be edited later on when the goals becomes clearer and the repository matures.
- Involve faculty and course designers. With them, from their perspectives, discover what works and what d'esn’t.
Worth the Effort
From the lessons learned at Broward and elsewhere, it’s clear that the vision of assembling and managing learning objects through a well-managed content repository is well worth the effort. Simply put, we need to create a mature community of practice, and broadly shareable content. Fortunately, this draws on policy work underway via the Educause NLII Learning Objects Community (www.educause.edu).
William H. Graves is senior VP, academic strategy, for SunGard Higher Education. He is professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina, the author of 80 articles on technology in education, a board member for the National Center for Academic Transformation and the Alliance for Higher Education Competitiveness, and a blogger on IT and performance in higher education.
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