Through efficient use of LORs: Prospective teachers’ views on operational aspects of learning object repositories Serpil Yalcinalp and Bulent Emiroglu Dr Serpil Yalcinalp is an assistant professor of Computer Education and Instructional Technology at Baskent University. Her main research interests are the use of ontologies in online learning environments, open educational sytems, learning management systems, social media and constructivist approaches in online environments. Dr Bulent Gursel Emiroglu is an assistant professor of Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Baskent University. His main research interests are Semantic Web, cognitive networks, adaptive systems, online learning, computer networks, data communication, Web-based and mobile environments. Address for correspondence: Dr SerpilYalcinalp, Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Baskent University, Rector Building B120, Baglica Campus, Eskisehir Road 06810, Ankara, Turkey. Email: serpily@baskent.edu.tr. Dr. Bulent Emiroglu, Email: emiroglu@baskent.edu.tr Abstract Although many developments have been made in the design and development of learning object repositories (LORs), the efficient use of such systems is still questionable. Without realising the functional use of such systems or considering the involvement of their dynamic users, these systems would probably become obsolete. This study includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods for the investigation of prospective teach- ers’ views on the operational aspects of such tools. The participants in this study were 75 prospective teachers that were participating in the graduate certification programme for secondary school subject teachers at Baskent University in Turkey. To realise the objec- tives of this study, prospective teachers were required to use the 17 of the existing LORs in their course. Analysis was also conducted on those LORs identified by the researchers. Afterwards, teachers were asked to answer an open-ended question in paper and pencil form.Through qualitative analysis, the responses of teachers were coded and presented in a table. The results of this analysis revealed many interesting points regarding teachers’ thoughts on the main factors in repositories and are expected to guide the designers, developers and users of LORs to focus on the main issues related to the improvement of functionality and efficiency of such systems. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic • Role of learning objects (LOs) in education. • Knowledge on general features of well-known learning object repositories (LORs). • Analysis of the existing LORs in terms of their structural and operational features. What this paper adds • A useful insight into educators’ perceptions of LOs and LORs. • Analysis of user requirements such as teachers’ needs in LORs. British Journal of Educational Technology (2011) doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01212.x © 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Educational Technology © 2011 BERA. Published by Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 2DQ, UK and 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA.