Searching SCORM metadata in a RDF-based e-learning P2P network using XQuery and Query by example

Abstract

The SCORM (sharable content object reference model) metadata information model is a reference to the IMS learning resource metadata information model, which itself is based on the IEEE 1484.12.1 LOM (learning object metadata) standard. Since the LOM standard possesses a rather complex data model consisting of over 60 metadata entries, searching SCORM metadata has to overcome several challenges to both queries' run-time performance and efficient, user-friendly query GUI (graphical user interface) design. Furthermore, because we start from Edutella, a RDF-based e-learning P2P (Peer-to-Peer) network, we also have to address the incompatibility between the SCORM Metadata data model and the RDF data model, as well as the syntax incompatibility between XML and RDF. We propose an approach for searching SCORM metadata in Edutella, which addresses aforementioned challenges through using an XQuery-enabled triple-like SCORM metadata data view and a QBE (query by example) based SCORM query GUI. While the triple-like data view efficiently bridges the SCORM metadata data model and the RDF data model, and at the same time greatly improves queries' run-time performance, the QBE-based SCORM query GUI facilitates the query construction process.