Semantic Retrieval of Learning Objects with Schema Matching

This article covers semantic methods and techniques based on semantic web technology (Berners-Lee et al., 2001) for content management in e-Learning platforms. The technique, and its prototypal implementation, involves the semantic search of learning objects (defined by David Wiley as "any digital resource that can be reused to support learning" (Wiley, 2002)) contained in SCORM (Sharable Content Objects Reference Model) "packages" (ADL) - a reference standard that ensures interoperability between different learning management systems (LMS). This technique integrates semantic techniques, combined with pattern matching techniques, to search for relevant learning objects for a given domain ontology used for queries, such as an ontology that describes the reference domain of a course of study. This correspondence is obtained through a matching operation, which returns a value of similarity between the ontology query (in OWL (Smith et al., 2004)) and learning objects such as those contained within repositories of online courses.