An Introduction to SCORM-compliant Smart Objects Saifur Rahman and Vara P. Pushpagiri Alexandria Research Institute Virginia Tech Alexandria, VA 22314 srahman@vt.edu Abstract Smart Objects or Buckets are self-contained, manageable, object-oriented container constructs proposed as a novel approach for representing learning resources in digital learning environments. At the current stage of their conceptual development, Smart Objects lack conformance to existing specifications for interoperability, thus potentially limiting their acceptance and usage by the digital library community. Our experience in designing the Digital Library Network for Engineering and Technology (DLNET), has demonstrated the need for adopting a common content representation model for increased interoperability among digital libraries. DLNET, a collection of learning resources to promote lifelong learning activities of practicing engineers and technical professionals, currently implements an IEEE/IMS LOM learning object model promote lifelong learning activities of practicing engineers and technical professionals, currently implements an IEEE/IMS LOM learning object model and plans in the future to adopt a versatile implementation of learning resources by combining SCORM and Bucket models. SCORM or Sharable Content Object Reference Model, a collaborative research effort under the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative involving academia, government/military agencies and industries, defines a reference model for learning resource representation and use in digital learning environments. It exhibits high-level requisites of learning content such as reusability, accessibility, durability and interoperability with existing practices and assists in technology-based learning programs. In this presentation, we plan to explore the applicability of the Content Aggregation and Runtime Models employed in SCORM to the Bucket Model in creating a prototype implementation of SCORM-compliant Smart Objects, thus making Buckets widely acceptable in the digital library community. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SAIFUR RAHMAN Professor Saifur Rahman is the Director of Alexandria Research Institute at Virginia Tech where he is a professor of electrical and computer engineering. Saifur Rahman is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is currently serving on the Power Engineering Society Governing Board as the Vice President for Technical Information Services. He chaired the IEEE Lifelong Learning Council in 2002, and is an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer. He is a Member of Advisory Committee on Virginia's Critical Infrastructure of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science, Commonwealth of Virginia Dr. Saifur Rahman joined Virginia Tech in 1979 as an assistant professor after serving on the faculty of Texas A&M University during 1978-79. In 1987 he became a full professor of electrical engineering. In 1992-93 he spent a year with the Tokyo Electric Power Company in Japan as a visiting research scientist in computer and communication technology. In 1994 he was named the Director of the Center for Energy and the Global Environment at Virginia Tech. In 1996 he came to the National Science Foundation in Washington DC as the Program Director in charge of the Energy Systems Program, a position he held till September 1999. During his tenure at NSF he maintained liaison with various US federal agencies dealing with electric power systems, deregulation, critical infrastructure protection, and related issues. Dr. Rahman holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, having graduated in 1973. Additionally, he received an MS in electrical sciences from the State University of New York in Stony Brook in 1975. He received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1978. His other industry and government experience includes work at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Carolina Power and Light Company, and consultancy for the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank. Professor Rahman has published over three hundred journal articles and conference papers related to his research work.