Using information visualization for accessing learning object repositories

Learning objects are entities that may be used for learning, education or training. Nowadays they are often stored in Learning Object Repositories (LORs), such as the Ariadne Knowledge Pool System (KPS) [23], Merlot and EdNa. Typically users can search for learning objects in those LORs by filling out an electronic form that enables them to compose Boolean combinations of search criteria. More research is needed on novel access paradigms to enable more effective and flexible access to these repositories. In this paper, we investigate how we can use information visualization techniques for this purpose. We discuss the use of three existing information visualization techniques that we applied to the ARIADNE Knowledge Pool System (KPS). Keywords--- learning objects, learning object repositories, information visualization