Learning Objects Shu Liu, Digital Content Librarian Colorado State University Libraries Computers in Libraries 2007 C205: Gaming & Learning April 17, 2007 Washington, DC

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 assessment of learning, providing an interactive experience, 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 Wisc-Online, Faculty Builders Resources – The Teaching Granularity Scale c2005.

Academic Example 1 Wisc-OnlineWisc-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 LiangTechnician: TeeJay Spilman School: Fox Valley Technical College Date: 2/5/2004 Description: 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.Barbara Liang

Academic Example 2 MERLOTMERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching)  A continually growing catalog of online learning materials to help faculty enhance instruction.  An international consortium that 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 free!

 Object Example from MERLOT: Reframing America: Photography through the Eyes of ImmigrantsReframing America: Photography through the Eyes of Immigrants (MERLOT Record) – * MERLOT link broken, use site: Educator’s GuideEducator’s Guide Angle, Framing, and Light Author: Cass Fey, The Center for Creative Photography at The University of Arizona Submitter: Garry Forger Material Type: Tutorial Technical Format: HTML/Text Date Added: November 06, 2001 Date Modified: July 11, 2006

Academic Example 3  UTOPIA (UTOPIA - University of Texas at Austin) UTOPIA  A digital gateway that provides access to the University of Texas at Austin’s reservoir of knowledge and cultural assets  Launched in 2004  Spearheaded by the University of Texas Libraries  Guidance from a national advisory board and additional assistance from K-12 educators all around Texas  Team is composed of content librarians, graphic designers, Web site builders, writers, programmers, information architects, videographers and more  Available to anyone, anywhere, at absolutely no cost!

 Object Example from UTOPIA (UT Austin): Site: Art Across the CurriculumArt Across the Curriculum Also check out this version: Description: The Blanton Museum of Art puts an artistic slant on social studies with a collection of history lesson plans based on works of art  Object: “Learning Empathy through Art: From That Day On” or “Overcoming Censorship through Art: Zero Dollar”

 More Academic Examples:  University System of Georgia: ALT University System of Georgia: ALT  Portland State University: Instructional Design Handbook Portland State University: Instructional Design Handbook

Business Example 1 Microsoft Office Online Training  Object Example: Link data to diagrams I: Getting started

Business Example 2 Apple Learning Interchange 2007 also see: Apple Education Products: iLifeApple Education Products: iLife  Object Example: Newspapers: A Connection to Our Past (Middle School Social Studies Lesson Idea)

Library Resources & Learning Objects Topic R & DTechnologyInfrastructureOutreachKnowledge

Current Developments  In Australia:  AICTEC Technical Standards AICTEC Technical Standards  Education Network Australia (edna) Education Network Australia (edna)  The Learning Federation The Learning Federation  HavestRoad Hive® HavestRoad Hive®  In Canada: The BELLE ProjectThe BELLE Project  In Europe:  The ARIADNE Foundation The ARIADNE Foundation  Learning Technologies Workshop Learning Technologies Workshop  In Hong Kong: LEARNetLEARNet  In the United States:  ADL ADL  IEEE LTSC IEEE LTSC  IMS IMS

List of URLs Discussed  Wisc-Online:  MERLOT:  UTOPIA (UT Austin):  Microsoft Office Online Training: us/training/default.aspx us/training/default.aspx  Apple Learning Interchange 2007:  And try Google search the examples!

Further Resources  “What are Learning Objects” at LEARNet:  “Learning Object” on Wikipedia:  Chuck Barrit & F. Lee Alderman Jr. Creating a Reusable Learning Objects Strategy: Leveraging Information and Learning in a Knowledge Economy. Pfeiffer,  Tom Barron, “Learning Object Approach is Making Inroads,”  Reusable Learning:  Reusability.org: