Developing and evaluating web-based multimedia learning

objects: a case study

Peter Chalk

LTRI & CCTM

Learning Technology Exhibition

22/3/05 London Metropolitan University

Learning Objects for Software Engineering

• Developing learning objects (LOs) for learning computer programming

• Re-using, finding & re-purposing LOs

• LOs for (animated) explanation

• LOs for reference

• LOs for interactive experimentation

• LOs as tools for design & analysis

Learning philosophy

• Problem: programming a ‘hard’, abstract subject• LOs for constructivist, independent learning• VLE (virtual learning environment) to support

community of learners & integrate LOs in a blended learning pedagogy

• Independent evaluation: by satisfaction survey, interview, VLE tracking, observation & performance – very positive findings

LOs for (animated) explanationhttp://learning.unl.ac.uk/java1/lm_jav1_arrays/lm_jav1_arrays_t.htm

LOs for referencelearning.unl.ac.uk/java1/lm_jav1_awtclasslib/lm_jav1_awtclasslib_t.htm

LOs for interactive experimentationhttp://www.cs.hope.edu/~alganim/animator/Animator.html

LOs as tools for design & analysishttp://homepages.unl.ac.uk/~chalkp/ww/jsp/index.html

Future developments

• LOs as on-line ‘text books’ – repositories, cataloguing, keywords - a new ‘reading’ and ‘using’ culture

• Embedding component LOs in compound LOs, including assessment etc

• Embedding LOs in VLE at course, subject and institutional levels (eg WebCT LO & Community Managers)