Results will inform Learning Resource Metadata Initiative (LRMI) to improve discoverability of educational resources online
WILMINGTON, DE, April 10, 2012 – Are educators frustrated with the hit-or-miss nature of searching for learning resources on the Internet? Are they tired of sifting through pages and pages of search results to find the right content or products for their lessons—or even the lesson plans themselves?
The Learning Resource Metadata Initiative (LRMI) hopes to find answers to these questions and more with a new survey published today. Aiming to gauge the experiences of educators looking for learning resources on the Internet, the LRMI will use data collected from the survey to help move LRMI to widespread adoption by educational content developers. The LRMI, co-led by the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) and Creative Commons and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to improve the search experience for educators and students via the creation and implementation of a standard metadata framework for educational content.
The survey seeks to discover how often educators currently search for educational resources online, what the current results of these searches are and what frustrations they may have when searching. It includes questions like “If search engines offered the ability to filter results by standard instructional criteria such as grade level, subject area, media type, etc., would that improve your level of satisfaction with Internet searches for educational resources?” and “What search criteria would you find most helpful in searching for educational resources?”
“The end goal of the LRMI is to give educators and students fast, easy access to the best learning resources and tools to fit their specific needs,” said Charlene Gaynor, CEO of AEP. “Armed with data from this survey, we can ensure the properties included in the LRMI specification meet these needs.”
The survey [http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C38HXLP] takes approximately five minutes to complete and must be submitted by April 20, 2012. Those who complete the survey will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Over the coming months, AEP will be hosting several briefings and information sessions, including webinars, regional events, and presentations at industry conferences, to impart current information about LRMI and answer publishers’ and educators’ questions. AEP’s Content in Context conference, scheduled for June 3-6 in Washington, DC, also will feature LRMI-related sessions. For the latest information on this initiative, please visit lrmi.net.
About the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP)
The only professional organization that serves the diverse needs of the entire educational resource community, the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) encourages and advocates for professional, quality content for teaching and learning. The membership of AEP represents the wide range of individuals, institutions, and businesses dedicated to delivering progressive learning resources in all media and for any educational setting. Founded in 1895, AEP now helps its members navigate the global realities of educational publishing in the 21st Century.
AEP is at the forefront of the educational publishing industry, leading initiatives that help drive the future of content development and delivery. It has taken a leading role in many efforts supporting the industry, including the Learning Resource Metadata Initiative (LRMI), which is changing the way educational materials are found on the Internet; Innovation Through Inclusion, promoting industry-wide diversity; and representation of educational publishers on matters such as new legislation and funding. Through its events, publications, and recognition programs, AEP works to inform and advance the industry and to define and applaud excellence in the field.
For more information, please visit www.AEPweb.org.
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