ABSTRACT
The infrastructures we use for developing, finding and combining learning objects influence the usage of the material - inflexible frameworks will not support flexible learning. For this reason, it is essential to consider the pedagogical consequences of the design of the technical frameworks that are used in e-Iearning systems. Much of the current work in e-Iearning technology targets learning objects stored in LMS (Learning Management System) applications and/or in other centralized servers, often of very large scale. Even though standards such as IEEE LOM increase the interoperability of such systems, they are still mostly information islands. Cross-searching of repositories is not a reality. It has even been said that the Web is still in the 'hunter-gatherer phase' with respect to searching. This is certainly true for learning objects. We have not yet reached the goal of a global e-Iearning society. In addition, many institutions are reluctant to give up control over their learning resources. This is problematic for many central-server-based methods of learning resource sharing, (e.g. e-Iearning 'portals'). Such portals are costly and difficult to maintain.
