Learning Objects Shu Liu, Digital Content Librarian Colorado State University Libraries A presentation for Internet Librarian 2006 October 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-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 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 ImmigrantsReframing America: Photography through the Eyes of Immigrants (MERLOT Record) – Angle, Framing, and Light (the object) 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
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 Topic R & DTechnologyInfrastructureOutreachKnowledge
Current Developments In Australia: The Learning Federation The Learning Federation AICTEC Technical Standards AICTEC Technical Standards 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: Microsoft Office Online Training: us/training/default.aspx us/training/default.aspx Apple Learning Interchange 2006:
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, Reusable Learning: Reusability.org: