Metadata is literally information about information. It is essentially a data file that provides a structured and consistent description of a learning resource, so that when you search for a resource online, you are more likely to find what you are looking for.

Vetadata is a customised version of metadata adapted from international standards to better describe vocational education and training (VET) resources. Creating Vetadata for VET learning objects allows teachers and trainers to perform topic-based, training-package, and competency-based searches for suitable resources in the online portal LORN and in digital repositories.

Enhancements to the tool include:

• Multiple classifications can be added to a learning resource, such as competency, education level, and discipline.
• The context-based help function has been updated and simplified.
• Where specific descriptive terms are required, these have been made available via a drop-down menu.
• Where specific terms or text can be predicted, these have been pre-populated.
• The XML output (metadata file) is more conformant to e-standards.

The same web page also contains step-by-step instructions on entering descriptions of learning resources, with extensive examples. This document is intended for content developers, cataloguers, and data-entry staff.

The Vetadata Tool currently produces Vetadata for SCORM/Toolboxes. The e-standards for training team will be extending the tool in the near future to produce Vetadata for LORN.