Semantic web for re-usability in open and distance learning

Using the web for educational purposes has changed in the last years. From using the Web only for delivery purpose of static contents designed for a course, to Learning Management Systems (using SCORM terminology) with dynamic contents, bi-directional information flows between the student and the system, personalization of the contents and automatic tracking of the students. Most of the Learning Management Systems support communications among learners and teacher/tutor-learner. Nowadays it is also spreading the idea of a "Web" with data and relations between data ("explanations of the data, i.e Meta-data) in formats than can be directly understood and used by machines (Agents). This web it is commonly known as "Semantic Web". This new idea is being used for education, describing new architectures and standards. The main point is how these new and emerging technologies can empower learning processes in real learning situations and provide insight in the opportunities arising for future learning environments [1]. The Semantic Web concepts are being used for content structures definitions and for content meta-data, making easier the content re-usability.