Learning Objects

We define learning objects as digital, re-usable pieces of content that can be used to accomplish a learning objectivehttp://www.learning-objects.net/

A Learning Object “Is defined as the smallest independent structural experience that contains an objective, a learning activity and an assessment.” (L’Allier 1997)http://www.grayharriman.com/learning_objects.htm

Learning Object Characteristics

• Learning objects are a new way of thinking about learning content. Traditionally, content comes in a several hour chunk. Learning ob-jects are much smaller units of learning, typically ranging from 2 minutes to 15 minutes.• Are self-contained each learning object can be taken independent-ly• Are reusable a single learning object may be used in multiple con-texts for multiple purposes• Can be aggregated learning objects can be grouped into larger col-lections of content, including traditional course structures• Are tagged with metadata every learning object has descriptive information allowing it to be easily found by a search Adapted from the Wisconsin Online Resource Center (WORC):

PROS vs CONS Production Costs Pro - By properly breaking content into learning objects, different parts can be maintained and updated separately. If a suitable learning object can be found, a new one does not need to be created. These are costs savers.

Con - Changing to a learning object approach from a “self-contained system” approach involves retooling and retraining costs

FlexibilityPro - As more and more standards-based learning objects become available, increased choice will translate into more flexibility for de-signers.

Con - Using standards-based learning objects restricts the scope of learner information that is accessible by content if total interoperabil-ity is maintained.*

PedagogyPro - Learning objects fit nicely into many ISD theories. Instructional templates can be created with slots for specific types of learning ob-jects. Learning objects may encourage designers to operate in more disciplined ways with a positive effect.

Con - Restrictions on learner information available could restrict peda-gogical approaches. Approaches using lengthy discursive material may not benefit from the use of learning objects.

End User CostPro - The learning object approach prevents consumers from being locked in to specific systems. As standards take hold, the market for content will take on more of the properties of a typical consumer market with lower costs and increased choice.

Con - The cost of converting existing content to a learning object approach may be significant.

Industry SupportPro - All leading system vendors and content producers are support-ing SCORM and other standards that are based on or that comple-ment a learning object approach.

Con - Realistically, it is twelve to eighteen months between the time the vendor community adopts an approach and the time products that implement the approach are available.http://www.eduworks.com/index.php/Publications/Learning-Object-Tutorial/Pros-and-Cons.html

HTML - The universal support for LOs Any type of learning resource that can be digitized, processed and displayed in a browser or LMS

HTML supported Leaning Objects • Documents/Images • Podcasts• Audio/video clips• Simulations• Games• Learning modules• Assesments

Choke PointsChoke points are those concepts or procedures within a subject area that are known to cause difficulties for learn-ers. These are frequently the primary objective for a learning object.http://lor.gvtc.org/

LO Development

• Plan - Identify teams, processes, timetable• Distill - Organize learning objects around the learning objectives• Design - Deconstruct courses and design engaging learning objects and assessment per objective• Market - Consistent reminders that learning objects are available and that the benefits of using them to faculty

Resources

http://www.delicious.com/bnixon/learningobjects

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTFEUsudhfs