Recipients of this document are requested to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent claims or other intellectual property rights of which they may be aware that might be infringed by any implementation of the specification set forth in this document, and to provide supporting documentation.
IMS takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any intellectual property or other rights that might be claimed to pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in this document or the extent to which any license under such rights might or might not be available; neither does it represent that it has made any effort to identify any such rights. Information on IMS's procedures with respect to rights in IMS specifications can be found at the IMS Intellectual Property Rights web page: http://www.imsglobal.org/ipr/imsipr_policyFinal.pdf.
Copyright © 2001 IMS Global Learning Consortium. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to all parties to use excerpts from this document as needed in producing requests for proposals.
Use of this specification to develop products or services is governed by the license with IMS found on the IMS website: http://www.imsglobal.org/license.html.
The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be revoked by IMS or its successors or assigns.
THIS SPECIFICATION IS BEING OFFERED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, AND IN PARTICULAR, ANY WARRANTY OF NONINFRINGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. ANY USE OF THIS SPECIFICATION SHALL BE MADE ENTIRELY AT THE IMPLEMENTER'S OWN RISK, AND NEITHER THE CONSORTIUM, NOR ANY OF ITS MEMBERS OR SUBMITTERS, SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER TO ANY IMPLEMENTER OR THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SPECIFICATION.
| Nr
|
Name
|
Explanation
|
Multiplicity
|
Domain
|
Type
|
Extensible
|
Note
|
Example
|
BaseScheme
|
1
|
general
|
Groups information describing learning object as a whole.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
1.1
|
identifier
|
Globally unique label for learning object.
|
single value
|
-
|
String
|
No
|
1. This element can be transparent to the meta-data creator. It can be created by the meta-data management system.
2. This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Identifier.
3. You can use your own ID method or the IMS best practice.
|
-
|
1.2
|
title
|
Learning object's name.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
1. The title can be an already existing one or it may be created by the indexer ad hoc.
2. Corresponds with Dublin Core element DC.Title.
|
-
|
1.3
|
catalogentry
|
Designation given to resource.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted max: 10 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
One of the catalog entries can be generated automatically by the tool.
|
-
|
1.3.1
|
catalog
|
Source of following string value.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally the name of the catalog.
|
ISBN, ARIADNE
|
1.3.2
|
entry
|
Actual value.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally the number in the catalog named in Catalog (1.3.1).
|
2-7342-0318, LEAO875
|
1.4
|
language
|
Learning object's language (can be Language without Country subcode; implies intended language of target audience). "None" is also acceptable.
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items; ISO 639-ISO 3166, see also xml:lang (RFC1766)
|
LanguageID = Langcode('-'Subcode)*, with Langcode a two-letter language code as defined by ISO639 and Subcode a country code from ISO3166.
|
String (100 char)
|
No
|
1. The approach adopted is compatible with that of the xml:lang attribute and is defined by RFC1766.
2. ISO639 deals with 'ancient' languages, like Greek and Latin.
3. Tool should provide useful default.
4. It is customary to give the language code in lower case and the country code (if any) in upper case. However, the values are case insensitive.
5. This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Language.
|
"en", "en-GB", "de", "fr-CA", "it"
|
1.5
|
description
|
Describes learning object's content.
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
LangStringType (2000 char)
|
No
|
This element corresponds to the Dublin Core element DC.Description.
|
-
|
1.6
|
keyword
|
Contains keyword description of the resource.
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
It is strongly recommended not to use this element for characteristics that can be described by other elements.
|
-
|
1.7
|
coverage
|
Temporal / spatial characteristics of content (e.g., historical context).
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Coverage.
|
-
|
1.8
|
structure
|
Underlying organizational structure of the resource.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Collection, Mixed, Linear, Hierarchical, Networked, Branched, Parceled, Atomic}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
1.9
|
aggregationlevel
|
The functional size of the resource.
|
single value
|
restricted range: 1 - 4
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
Level 1 means smallest level of aggregation, e.g. raw media data or fragments.
Level 2 refers to a collection of atoms, e.g. an HTML document with some embedded pictures or a lesson.
Level 3 indicates a collection of level 1 resources, e.g. a 'web' of HTML documents, with an index page that links the pages together or a unit.
Finally, level 4 refers to the largest level of granularity, e.g. a course.
|
-
|
2
|
lifecycle
|
History and current state of resource.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
2.1
|
version
|
The edition of the learning object.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (50 char)
|
No
|
-
|
3.0, 1.2.alpha, voorlopige versie
|
2.2
|
status
|
Learning object's editorial condition.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Draft, Final, Revised, Unavailable}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
2.3
|
contribute
|
Persons or organizations contributing to the resource (includes creation, edits, and publication).
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum items: 30
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
2.3.1
|
role
|
Kind of contribution.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Author, Publisher, Unknown, Initiator, Terminator, Validator, Editor, Graphical Designer, Technical Implementer, Content Provider, Technical Validator, Educational Validator, Script Writer, Instructional Designer}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
It is recommended that exactly one instance of Author exists.
|
-
|
2.3.2
|
entity
|
Entity or entities involved, most relevant first.
|
ordered list; smallest permitted maximum items: 40; vCard
|
vCard <http://www.imc.org/pdi/>
|
String (1000 chars)
|
No
|
1. If Role (2.3.1) is Author, then the entity is typically a person and this element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Creator.
2. If Role equals Publisher, then the entity is typically an organization and this element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Publisher.
3. If Role is not equal to Author or Publisher, then this element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Contributor.
4. If the entity is an organization, then it is typically a university department, company, agency, institute, etc. under whose responsibility the contribution was made.
|
-
|
2.3.3
|
date
|
Date of contribution.
|
single value
|
-
|
DateType
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
metametadata
|
Features of the description rather than the resource.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
3.1
|
identifier
|
A unique label for the meta-data.
|
single value
|
-
|
String
|
No
|
This element can be transparent to the meta-data creator. It can be created by the meta-data management system. You can use your own ID method or the IMS best practice
|
-
|
3.2
|
catalogentry
|
Designation given to the meta-data instance.
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
One of the catalog entries can be generated automatically by the tool.
|
-
|
3.2.1
|
catalog
|
Source of following string value.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally system generated.
|
Ariadne
|
3.2.2
|
entry
|
Actual string value.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally system generated.
|
KUL532
|
3.3
|
contribute
|
Persons or organizations contributing to the meta-data.
|
ordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
3.3.1
|
role
|
Kind of contribution.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Creator, Validator}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
It is recommended that exactly one instance of creator exists.
|
-
|
3.3.2
|
entity
|
Entity or entities involved, most relevant first.
|
ordered list as vCard; smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
vCard <http://www.imc.org/pdi/>
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
3.3.3
|
date
|
Date of contribution.
|
single value
|
-
|
DateType
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
3.4
|
metadatascheme
|
Names the structure of the meta-data (this includes version).
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
String (30 char)
|
No
|
1. Generally user selectable or system generated.
2. If multiple values are provided, then the meta-data instance conforms to multiple meta-data schemes.
|
LOMv1.0
|
3.5
|
language
|
Language of the meta-data instance. This is the default language for all LangString values.
|
single value
|
See general.language
|
String (100 char)
|
No
|
"none" is an acceptable value.
|
-
|
4
|
technical
|
Technical features of the learning object.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
4.1
|
format
|
Technical data type of the resource.
|
unordered list, smallest permitted maximum: 40 items
|
restricted: MIME type or 'non-digital'
|
String (500 char)
|
No
|
1. Can be used to identify the software needed to access the resource.
2. This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Format.
|
video/ mpeg, application/ x-toolbook, text/ html
|
4.2
|
size
|
The size of the digital resource in bytes. Only the digits '0' - '9' should be used; the unit is bytes, not MBytes, GB, etc.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (30 char)
|
No
|
This refers to the actual size of the resource, and not to the size of a compressed version of the resource.
|
-
|
4.3
|
location
|
A location or a method that resolves to a location of the resource. Preferable Location first.
|
ordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
http://host/ id
|
4.4
|
requirement
|
Needs in order to access the resource. If there are multiple requirements, then the logical connector is AND.
|
multiple unordered instances; smallest permitted maximum: 40 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
4.4.1
|
type
|
Type of requirement.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Operating System, Browser}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
4.4.2
|
name
|
Name of the required item.
|
single value
|
if Type='Operating System', then vocabulary: {PC-DOS, MS- Windows, MacOS, Unix, Multi-OS, Other, None}
if Type='Browser' then vocabulary: {Any, Netscape Communicator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera}
if other type, then open vocabulary
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
May be derived from Format (4.1) automatically, e.g., HTML implies "Multi-OS"
|
-
|
4.4.3
|
minimumversion
|
Lowest version of the required item.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (30 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
4.4.4
|
maximumversion
|
Highest version of the required item.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (30 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
4.5
|
installationremarks
|
Description on how to install the resource.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
4.6
|
otherplatformrequirements
|
Information about other software and hardware requirements.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
sound card ..., runtime ...
|
4.7
|
duration
|
Time a continuous learning object takes when played at intended speed, in seconds.
|
single value
|
ISO8601
|
DateType
|
No
|
This is especially useful for sounds, movies, or animations.
|
01:30:00, 00:01:45
|
5
|
educational
|
Educational or pedagogic features of the learning object.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
5.1
|
interactivitytype
|
The type of interactivity supported by the learning object.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Active, Expositive, Mixed, Undefined}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
In an expositive resource, the information flows mainly from the resource to the learner. Expositive documents are typically used for learning- by- reading.
In an active learning object, information also flows from the learner to the resource. Active documents are typically used for learning- by- doing.
note: Activating links to navigate in hypertext documents is not considered as an information flow. Thus, hypertext documents are expositive.
|
Expositive documents include essays, video clips, all kinds of graphical material and hypertext documents. Active documents include simulations, questionnaires and exercises.
|
5.2
|
learningresourcetype
|
Specific kind of resource, most dominant kind first.
|
ordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
vocabulary: {Exercise, Simulation, Questionnaire, Diagram, Figure, Graph, Index, Slide, Table, Narrative Text, Exam, Experiment, ProblemStatement, SelfAssesment}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element 'Resource Type'. The vocabulary is adapted for the specific purpose of learning objects.
|
-
|
5.3
|
interactivitylevel
|
Level of interactivity between an end user and the learning object.
|
-
|
vocabulary: {very low, low, medium, high, very high}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
5.4
|
semanticdensity
|
Subjective measure of the learning object's usefulness as compared to its size or duration.
|
-
|
vocabulary: {very low, low, medium, high, very high}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
5.5
|
intendedenduserrole
|
Normal user of the learning object, most dominant first.
|
ordered list, smallest permitted maximum:10 items
|
vocabulary: {Teacher, Author, Learner, Manager}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
A learner works with a resource in order to learn something.
An author creates or publishes a resource.
A manager manages the delivery of the resource, e.g., a university or college. The document for a manager is typically a curriculum.
|
-
|
5.6
|
context
|
The typical learning environment where use of learning object is intended to take place.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 4 items;
|
vocabulary: {Primary Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education, University First Cycle, University Second Cycle, University Postgrade, Technical School First Cycle, Technical School Second Cycle, Professional Formation, Continuous Formation, Vocational Training}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
5.7
|
typicalagerange
|
Age of the typical intended user.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 5 items
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 chars)
|
No
|
-
|
suitable for children over 7, adults only
|
5.8
|
difficulty
|
How hard it is to work through the learning object for the typical target audience.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {very easy, easy, medium, difficult, very difficult}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
5.9
|
typicallearningtime
|
Approximate or typical time it takes to work with the resource.
|
single value
|
ISO8601
|
DateType
|
No
|
-
|
01:30:00, 00:01:45
|
5.10
|
description
|
Comments on how the learning object is to be used.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
A teacher's guidelines.
|
5.11
|
language
|
User's natural language.
|
smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
String (100 char)
|
No
|
See general.language.
|
-
|
6
|
rights
|
Conditions of use of the resource.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
Intent is to reuse results of ongoing work in the Intellectual Property Right and e-commerce communities. This category currently provides the absolute minimum level of detail only.
|
-
|
6.1
|
cost
|
Whether use of the resource requires payment.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {yes, no}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
6.2
|
copyrightandotherrestrictions
|
Whether copyright or other restrictions apply.
|
single instance
|
vocabulary: {yes, no}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
6.3
|
description
|
Comments on the conditions of use of the resource.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
relation
|
Features of the resource in relationship to other learning objects.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 100 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
7.1
|
kind
|
Nature of the relationship between the resource being described and the one identified by Resource (7.2).
|
single value
|
vocabulary list from Dublin Core: {IsPartOf, HasPart, IsVersionOf, HasVersion, IsFormatOf, HasFormat, References, IsReferencedBy, IsBasedOn, IsBasisFor, Requires, IsRequiredBy}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
This element corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Relation.
|
-
|
7.2
|
resource
|
Resource the relationship holds for.
|
single instance
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
7.2.1
|
identifier
|
Unique Identifier of the other resource.
|
single value
|
-
|
String
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
7.2.2
|
description
|
Description of the other resource.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
7.2.3
|
catalogentry
|
Description of the other resource.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 10 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
See general.catalogentry.
|
-
|
7.2.3.1
|
catalog
|
Source of following string value.
|
single value
|
-
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally the name of the catalog.
|
ISBN, ARIADNE
|
7.2.3.2
|
entry
|
Actual value.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
Generally the number in the catalog named in Catalog (7.2.3.1).
|
2-7342-0318, LEAO875
|
8
|
annotation
|
Comments on the educational use of the learning object.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 30 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
-
|
-
|
8.1
|
person
|
Annotator.
|
single value
|
vCard <http://www.imc.org/pdi/>
|
String (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
8.2
|
date
|
Date that the annotation was created.
|
single value
|
-
|
DateType
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
8.3
|
description
|
The content of the annotation.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
classification
|
Description of a characteristic of the resource by entries in classifications.
|
unordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 40 items
|
-
|
-
|
Yes
|
1. End users can refer to their preferred classifications.
2. If Purpose (9.1) equals Discipline, then this category corresponds with the Dublin Core element DC.Subject.
|
-
|
9.1
|
purpose
|
Characteristics of the resource described by this classification entry.
|
single value
|
vocabulary: {Discipline, Idea, Prerequisite, Educational Objective, Accessibility Restrictions, Educational Level, Skill Level, Security Level}
|
Vocabulary
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
9.2
|
taxonpath
|
A taxonomic path in a specific classification.
|
unordered instance; smallest permitted maximum: 15 items
|
-
|
-
|
No
|
There may be different paths, in the same or different classifications, that describe the same characteristic.
|
-
|
9.2.1
|
source
|
A specific classification.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
Any recognized "official" taxonomy, any user-defined taxonomy. A tool may provide the top-level entries of a well-established classification (LOC, UDC, DDC, etc.).
|
ACM, MESH, ARIADNE
|
9.2.2
|
taxon
|
An entry in a classification. An ordered list of Taxons creates a taxonomic path, i.e. "taxonomic stairway": this is a path from a more general to more specific entry in a classification.
|
ordered list; smallest permitted maximum: 15 items
|
-
|
-
|
No
|
A TaxonPath can have a depth from 1 to 9. Normal values are between 2 and 4.
|
Physics/ Acoustics/ Instruments/ Stethoscope
Medicine/ Diagnostics/ Instruments/ Stethoscope
|
9.2.2.1
|
id
|
Taxon's identifier in taxonomic system
|
single value
|
-
|
String (100 char)
|
No
|
Repertoire of ISO/IEC 10646-1
|
-
|
9.2.2.2
|
entry
|
Taxon's name or label (other than identifier)
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (500 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
9.3
|
description
|
A textual description of learning object relative to its stated purpose.
|
single value
|
-
|
LangStringType (2000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|
9.4
|
keyword
|
Contains keyword description of learning objective relative to its stated purpose.
|
ordered list smallest permitted maximum: 40 items
|
-
|
LangStringType (1000 char)
|
No
|
-
|
-
|