In the web based environment, learning objects may be constructed through combining several sub-elements such as HTML or Dynamic HTML, media elements, Java, ActiveX components to provide interactivity which is highly desirable in constructing engaging learning experiences. Each component can be indexed, searched, and re-used. In the context of the Internet, we need standards so that learning objects developed by different vendors or organizations can be searched consistently. From an implementation stand point it is best to keep the metadata and the actual learning object content separate. Beyond Metadata A learning object and its components need to be linked with learning objectives, tasks, and competencies in order to support the work context.
Relational databases can scale up and provide data sharing and collaborative access over the web.
Examples include Oracle and MS SQL Server. The aggregation of learning object may manifest itself as topics and sub-topic structures. We prefer to use the word Learning Tracks rather than Courses as the learning object aggregating mechanism, especially in a workplace learning context. A Learning Track may embody pre-requisite structures and may be customized by job context. Connection with EPSS As more and more applications migrate to the web, creating links to learning objects from within web applications will allow us to transform learning from traditional learning separate from work to a tighter link between work and performance support and training.