Retrieving and using resources from the learning object repository (LOR)

The Brightspace Learning Object Repository (LOR) is an online library within Brightspace that allows you to store, manage, and share learning resources (learning objects). These learning objects can be quizzes, presentations, images, videos, documents, or any other file type you use to create subject content.

Once learning objects are in Brightspace Learning Repository, multiple ways exist to retrieve them for use in subject offerings.

  • Download the learning object from Brightspace Learning Repository as a content package to your computer. Quizzes are downloaded as QTI packages.
  • Inserting learning resources into existing subject content areas in Content.
  • Inserting learning resources into existing subject content using the Import/Export/Copy Components functionality.
  • Linking to a learning object from within a content page.
  • Import a quiz into Manage Quizzes.

Log in to Brightspace and access the LOR widget on the home page. You can perform a search from the search bar, or click Search/Browse to access more search options

LOR widget on homepage

LOR search page

Once you have performed a search a list of all items that match that term will appear.

LOR search results

You can view more information about a learning resource by selecting Show Details.

Select show details to see more information about the resource

Selecting the drop-down menu next to the name of the learning resource opens a menu that allows you to perform a range of functions.
These menu functions are commonly found in learning resources within Brightspace LOR (Learning Object Repository) and serve the following purposes:

Open: This option allows you to view the learning resource and files associated. You will be able to retrieve and preview the item from this page.

Preview: Previewing the resource will allow you to see the item as it displays within a subject.

Retrieve: This will download or copy the learning resource to your computer.

Add to Collection: This option enables you to organize and save the learning resource into a personal or shared collection within Brightspace LOR. This can help you group related resources for easier access and management.

Metadata: Provides detailed information about the learning resource, such as its title, author, description, keywords, and other relevant metadata

Classifications: You can view and assign specific categories or classifications to the learning resource. These classifications can be used to organise and filter resources based on their subject matter, type, or other relevant criteria.

Add Review: Enables you to provide feedback or a review of the learning resource. You can share your thoughts, experiences, and ratings to help others evaluate the resource's quality and relevance.

Select retrieve from the drop-down menu

To retrieve a learning resource select Retrieve from the drop-down menu. You will see a message that the resource is being retrieved. Once it has been retrieved you will see the following message and you will be able to download the file to your computer.

Choose download to save the package

Login to Brightspace and navigate to your subject. Select Content and locate or create the topic that you want to insert the learning resource into. Select Add Existing, and on the next screen, select LOR.

Click Add Existing and choose LOR

Search for the resource or browse through the categories to locate the resource

LOR search page

A list of resources that meet your search terms will appear.
You can access a preview, add the learning resource to a collection, or view its’ metadata via the drop-down menu.

LOR options

Select the resource and click Next.

Select the resource and click next

Choose a Link Type: Select the appropriate link type (dynamic, locked, or copy) and click Next.

  1. Dynamic Link: Creates a live link to the LOR resource, so any changes to the original resource will be reflected in your subject. Use this option if you want to always have the latest version of the resource in your subject.
  2. Locked Link: Creates a static link to the LOR resource at the time of adding. Changes to the original resource will not affect your subject. Use this to create a “snapshot” version of the resource in your subject which will not change.
  3. Copy as Content: Copies the LOR resource directly into your subject, making it independent of the original. Use this version if you want to modify the resource for your use.

Choose your option and click next

The content will be inserted into your subject.

Login to your subject. Select Subject Admin > Import/Export/Copy Components

Select from Learning Object Repository and click start]

Select the resource and click Next

Choose a Link Type: Select the appropriate link type (dynamic, locked, or copy) and click Next.

  1. Dynamic Link: Creates a live link to the LOR resource, so any changes to the original resource will be reflected in your subject. Use this option if you want to always have the latest version of the resource in your subject.
  2. Locked Link: Creates a static link to the LOR resource at the time of adding. Changes to the original resource will not affect your subject. Use this to create a “snapshot” version of the resource in your subject which will not change.
  3. Copy as Content: Copies the LOR resource directly into your subject, making it independent of the original. Use this version if you want to modify the resource for your use.

Select your option and click Next

You will be asked to select or create a topic where the content will reside. Select the content, or use Add Module to create one, and then click Create Topic:

Select where the content will reside and click Create Topic

The content will be inserted into your subject.

You can use the Insert Stuff function to insert links to learning resources into your subject content pages. To do this, navigate to your subject. Select Content, locate the content page you wish to edit, and select Edit from the three dot menu.

Select Edit from the three-dot menu

Click on the insert stuff icon and then select Learning Repository.

Select Insert Stuff and then Learning Repository

Perform a search by entering keywords and clicking Search. You can also browse through the LOR.

Enter a search term and click Search

Locate the learning resource, select it by clicking on it, and then select Next.

Select the resource and click Next]

Edit the link text and then select Insert.

Edit the link text and click insert

This will appear as a link in your content page. Click Save and Close.

Click Save and Close

Login to Brightspace and navigate to your subject. Select Content and Locate or create the topic page. Go to the content topic page where you want to insert the LOR object, select the three-dot menu and choose Edit.

Navigate to your content page and select edit from the three-dot menu

Click on Insert Stuff icon and select Learning Repository

Select insert stuff and the learning repository

Enter a search term and click Search. You can choose the repositories to search from.

LOR search screen

Locate and click on the learning object you want to link to and then click Next.

Select the resource and click Next

You can now edit the link text before clicking Insert.

Edit the link text and click insert

The link will appear in your content. If you are happy with this, click Save and close.
Students will be able to access the learning object via that link.

Click Save and Close

Linking to quizzes is not available. You can only import quizzes and quiz questions from Brightspace Learning Repository.

Log in to your subject. Select Assessment > Quizzes & Exams or Subject Admin > Quizzes, then select Add Learning Object from the More Actions drop-down menu.

Select Add Learning Object from the More Actions drop-down menu

Enter search terms and click Search.

Enter search terms and click Search

A list of objects that match your search parameters will appear. Choose the quiz object you require and then click Select.

Select the quiz and click select

The quiz will appear in your list. You can now edit it, preview it, and make it available to your students.

Quiz now appears in your quiz list

This page may be updated at any time. If you print it, you could miss future changes. Please check this page regularly for the latest updates.