This new repository is described as "An online database of learning content that provides software to Commonweath countries free of charge. Institutions or governments can establish a shared repository by accessing free open source software from COL's LOR." The site is searchable; use the site map to orient to the resources; also refer to the start-up guides and operational guides.
A cursory search will soon reveal that the currently available resources at COL are broadly defined instructional resources, not narrowly defined learning objects; some LOs emerge from a search but also many technical reports, syllabi, and other miscellaneous materials are elicited. The Google search engine is used to search the COL database of LORs. "This database service is designed for open and distance-learning practitioners. It searches the majority of well-regarded sources of information in open and distance learning from a central location and provides tools to organise the information gleaned." Google is also available as a link to search the Internet beyond the COL database. It will be instructive to go back and forth between searching COL and searching broadly with Google and comparing results.
Perhaps more LOs will become available in the COL LOR as different institutions and countries begin to make use of the free open source software to establish shared repositories.
"The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development of open learning and distance education, through the fostering and sharing of knowledge, resources and technologies. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, COL is the world’s only intergovernmental organisation dedicated solely to promoting and delivering distance education and open learning, and is the only official Commonwealth agency located outside Britain."
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