A learning object repository is a searchable, digital library of learning objects. Objects found within are free for use (unless otherwise specified). The contents range in subject, type and complexity. The role and function of learning object repositories is explained in this resource. Examples of various repositories are provided.
Linney
Linney is a learning object repository that aims to promote an atmosphere of sharing where learning objects can be searched, reused, repurposed and contributed.
Developed by Memorial University’s Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL), the repository began as a place to house forty years of multimedia objects and assets created by CITL and to make them available to the wider learning community. Find out more about Linney on its About page. Details relating to Linney’s contribution criteria are outlined below.
Contribution criteria
What are Linney’s contribution criteria?
Each object must:
- include a learning design (learning objective, description of how it’s used in instructional event)
- be digital (or able to be digitized)
- be in a legible format (minimum quality)
- meet file size maximum (consider file type and size)
- be shareable with other communities and use creative commons by its owner
- clearly identify ownership (able to provide permission to contribute)
- be interoperable (playable on multiple platforms and devices)
Other Repositories
There are a variety of repositories available around the world. Some focus on specific media types, topics or audiences. OpenDOAR is a site that lists all open repositories around the world. Below, we list a few repositories that we have used at CITL over the years:
- Education Image Gallery – Free images from the Getty collection.
- Freephotos.cc – A collection of free photographs for private non-commercial use.
- Global Learning Objects Brokered Exchange – A community for all those involved or interested in digital, open and innovative education.
- Image*After – large, free photo collection, with images free for any use.
- Library of Congress Prints & Photographs online – (not all are copyright-free).
- MERLOT II is repository of peer reviewed multimedia educational resources for learning and online teaching.
- Metropolitan Museum offers free access to over 400 000 high res images for scholarly use. As long as the image has OASC (Open Access for Scholarly Content) in the info it is free for non-commercial use.
- Odyssey – VirginiaTech University Libraries – Odyssey is a learning objects repository created and maintained by the University Libraries at Virginia Tech.
- Rijksmuseum offers free downloads for both commercial and non-commercial use.
- Linney – learning object repository supported by Memorial University that aims to promote an atmosphere of sharing where learning objects can be searched, reused, repurposed and contributed.
- Wisc-Online – digital library of objects has been developed primarily by faculty from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).
References
- DELT. (2006). Learning Object Repository Report: Draft (April, 2006). Distance Education and Learning Technologies. St. John’s: DELT.
Originally Published: August 21, 2018
Last Updated: August 6, 2024
