Equella 5.2 Adds Improved Search REST APIs

International education and learning programs provider Pearson has upgraded its Equella digital repository system to version 5.2 by enhancing key elements of the product designed to help users search, create, and manage material online.

Equella, which is currently in use in a wide range of schools, universities, colleges, technical schools, and education departments, provides a central platform for teaching, learning, researching media, and library resource management so institutions can "easily search in one location for all of their content--video, custom eBooks, presentations, lecture captures, and more," according to information released by the company. Equella does not restrict the type of media or its size--including metadata on learning outcomes, grade level, and relevant keywords. The repository protects all resources using permissions, digital rights management, and copyright functionality.

Pearson said it has enhanced Version 5.2 with a new search interface designed to auto-populate search terms and has integrated the platform with the Kaltura video platform so customers can stream video. Pearson said it also improved "push to LMS" support for usability by enhancing sorting and filtering.

Additionally, the company said, the "series of rapid enhancements" include improved classification management so institutions can use any controlled vocabulary terms that address size and composition considerations, enhanced discovery of Equella items in search engines, and the introduction of REST APIs so customers can further customize, integrate, and extend the digital repository.

Equella is part of Pearson's education services platform that includes custom publishing and materials and the Pearson Learning Studio for online learning programs.

More information is available at equella.com.

About the Author

Jim Barthold is a freelance technology reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].

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