RAMLET: a Conceptual Model for Resource Aggregation for Learning, Education, and Training

Abstract

The Resource Aggregation Model for Learning, Education and Training (RAMLET) is a new IEEE standard, IEEE Std 1484.13.1™-2012, that has been developed to facilitate interoperability of existing standards for multimedia resource aggregations. Examples of such standards include METS and MPEG-21 Digital Item Declaration. These standards are used on a large scale for describing the structure of a collection of multimedia content. In addition, multiple structures can be specified to provide different paths through the same content. A limitation lies in the fact that they cannot interoperate. For instance, content structured in MPEG-21 cannot be reused in a METS context. This article presents different use cases in which the RAMLET standard enables interoperability of resource aggregation formats. We describe the RAMLET standard and mappings to other standards. In addition, we discuss lessons learned from the development process of this standard and future research challenges.