Educational Repositories (LOREnet)
SURFfoundation has implemented a network of repositories of learning materials (educational repositories) for higher education through LOREnet. LOREnet, an abbreviation of Learning Object REpositories NETwork, links these educational repositories to each other and makes them accessible at www.lorenet.nl. This makes learning materials from universities and universities of applied science available for exchange and re-use.
LOREnet-I – which started in 2005 – was successfull in demonstrating its technical functions. In 2006 and 2007 LOREnet-2 focused on stabilizing the technical infrastructure and showing its added value in the educational practice. LOREnet was officially launched at the SURF Educational Days in November 2007. This network provides a solid foundation for the next step.
LOREnet allows teaching staff and students in higher education to share learning materials. This makes LOREnet the perfect instrument for re-using learning materials, both within and outside of ones own institution. The system works as follows. Educational institutions publish their learning materials through their own educational repository. A dedicated search engine provides the means to search in the databases of all connected educational institutions. Teaching staff can use it to find the learning materials relevant to their own discipline. They can download suitable materials and integrate them into their own curriculum.
Further information
The LOREnet websites contain more information on the project and the results that have been achieved: www.lorenet.nl (in Dutch) and www.lorenet.org.
The community site www.surfgroepen.nl/sites/surflorenet/ provides additional information.
LOREnet contacts:
• In general (info@lorenet.nl)
• Magchiel Bijsterbosch (bijsterbosch@surf.nl)