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Advanced search hints
Learning objects contain descriptive information called metadata, which makes it easier to locate learning objects that meet your needs. The LORN advanced search allows you to use this metadata to find learning objects that match specific criteria. You can search on a single field or build a powerful search using combinations of the following search fields:
Title
Competency
Description
Discipline
Format
Type of resource
Education level
Collection
Licence
Date created
Click the links above to find out more about the search fields.
See the search help page for help with the basic search.
Cost
LORN provides access to both free and for cost learning objects. Select 'free' to limit your search to free learning objects. If you do not select 'free' your search results may include both free and for cost learning objects.
Keywords
All learning objects made available through LORN include metadata in a 'keyword' field, which contains keywords or phrases that
describe the resource. Enter words or phrases in the keyword text box to search this field. Note that the LORN keyword search does
not search any other fields, such as title or description.
If you are unsure of keywords that might describe the learning object you require you might like to try the keyword browse index on
the browse page.
Title
This option searches for your chosen word or phrase only in the title field of LORN learning objects.
For example, the results of a title search for 'plant' would include learning objects with titles like Recognise plants, Provide
planted area care, and Classify plants.
Competency
All learning objects available through LORN include metadata about the competencies in national accredited training packages to
which they are relevant. Enter a competency code or keywords from the competency name to search for learning objects that relate to
that competency.
For example, for learning objects related to the competency, AUR26508A - Carry out vehicle body and under-frame alignment, you could
enter 'AUR26508A' or competency keywords such as 'vehicle body.'
You can also browse by competency on the browse page.
Description
Metadata for each LORN learning object includes a text description of its content. If you have conducted a basic search you would have seen this description information displayed in the search results. You can use the description advanced search field to search for a word or phrase in the description field.
Discipline
LORN learning objects are catalogued according to the industry they relate to. Use the drop down menu to select a search term and
limit your search to learning objects related to that industry.
'Scientific research' is one example of a discipline. A discipline search on 'scientific research' returns learning objects such as
Optical Microscope - Perform calibration checks, Record test results - Maintain Laboratory Records, and Purifying cultures -
Microorganisms.
You can also browse by discipline on the browse page.
Format
The format field contains technical information about the format(s) of all of the components of a learning object; for example, text/html, image/jpeg, application/x-shockwaveflash. Use the drop down menu to select a search term and limit your search to learning objects in that technical format.
Type
The type field is also known as 'type of resource'. It describes learning objects according to the type of learning resource they
comprise; for example, activity, learner guide, or simulation. Use the drop down menu to select a search term and limit your search
to learning objects of that type.
You can also browse by type on the browse page.
Education level
LORN learning objects are catalogued according to where they fit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) education
level classification system; for example, Certificate III or Advanced Diploma. Use the drop down menu to select a search term and
limit your search to learning objects relevant to the appropriate education level.
You can also browse by education level on the browse page.
Collection
LORN provides access Australia-wide to learning objects from a number of member repositories, as described on the repositories page. Use the drop down menu to limit your search to learning objects from your chosen repository.
Licence
LORN learning objects are made available under a variety of licences, as described in this FAQ. Use the
drop down menu to limit your search to learning objects made available under your preferred licence.
You can also browse by licence type on the browse page.
Date created
Learning object metadata records contain information about when those learning objects were created. Use the radio buttons to
limit your search to learning objects created within your preferred timeframe.
For example, to limit your search to learning objects created in the last month, check the 'Within the last month' radio button.