Learning Objects

Shu Liu, Digital Content LibrarianColorado State University Librariesshu.liu@colostate.edu

A presentation for Internet Librarian 2006October 25, 2006 Monterey, CA

Agenda

Introduction to Learning Objects Examples of Learning Objects Learning Objects & Library Resources Current Developments Q & A

Definition

A learning object is an online tool that includes a learning objective, a learning process, and a means of assessment to help learners digest a specific piece of knowledge, or master how to complete a specific task.

Characteristics

Learning Objects

Digital InteractiveIndividual Reusable

Exposition

Learning Objects

Learning Activities

Lessons

Units

Courses

Process

Assessment

Objective

Academic Example 1

Wisc-Online (Wisconsin Online Resource Center)

A digital library of learning objects. Developed primarily by faculty from the Wisconsin

Technical College System (WTCS) Objects produced by multimedia technicians. Accessible to all WTCS faculty at no cost and with

copyright clearance for use in any WTCS classroom or online application.

Other institutions in the US and worldwide use the library with permission.

Registration is easy and free!

Object Example from Wisc-Online:

The 12 Cranial Nerves

Author: Barbara Liang Technician: TeeJay Spilman School: Fox Valley Technical College   Date: 2/5/2004Description: In this interactive and animated object, learners read a description of the number, name, and function of the cranial nerves. A matching quiz completes the activity.

Academic Example 2

MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching)

A continually growing catalog of online learning materials to help faculty enhance instruction.

An international consortium who cooperates to transform and improve higher education.

A community of individual members who share and enrich teaching and learning experiences.

A technology initiative with its own infrastructure and dynamically designed set of tools and software development policies.

Anyone can use for free!

Object Example from MERLOT:

Reframing America: Photography through the Eyes of Immigrants (MERLOT Record) – Angle, Framing, and Light (the object)

Author: Cass Fey, The Center for Creative Photography at The University of ArizonaSubmitter: Garry ForgerMaterial Type: TutorialTechnical Format: HTML/TextDate Added: November 06, 2001 Date Modified: July 11, 2006

Business Example 1

Microsoft Office Online Training

Object Example:

Get to know Excel: Enter formulas

Business Example 2

Apple Learning Interchange 2006

Object Example:

Newspapers: A Connection to Our Past

Library Resources & Learning Objects

R & D

Technology

InfrastructureOutreach

Knowledge

Topic

Current Developments

In Australia: The Learning Federation AICTEC Technical Standards

In Canada: The BELLE Project In Europe:

The ARIADNE Foundation Learning Technologies Workshop

In Hong Kong: LEARNet In the United States:

ADL IEEE LTSC IMS

List of URLs Discussed

Wisc-Online: http://www.wisc-online.com/ MERLOT: http://www.merlot.org/ Microsoft Office Online Training:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx

Apple Learning Interchange 2006: http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali

Further Resources

“What are Learning Objects” at LEARNet: http://learnet.hku.hk/objects.htm

“Learning Object” on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_object

Chuck Barrit & F. Lee Alderman Jr. Creating a Reusable Learning Objects Strategy: Leveraging Information and Learning in a Knowledge Economy. Pfeiffer, 2004.

Reusable Learning: http://www.reusablelearning.org/ Reusability.org: http://www.reusability.org/