Re-using online learning materials: application and process Julie Watson and Vicky Wright

Overview Introduction –eLanguages at Southampton E-learning materials in Higher Education Learning Objects (LOs) and the concept of re-usability Design processes Issues and challenges for the future

Introduction Consortium of 6 UK universities led by Southampton Funded to develop e-tutor supported online English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules (IELTS ) Initially designed for use on newly developed learning environment (SUN Systems) Now being re-purposed for use on Blackboard in both blended and distance modes

E-learning material Developed in the form of reusable learning objects (LOs) The ‘building blocks’ for stand-alone online modules in EAP or online support programs in blended learning environments Designed for use on different web-based platforms (interoperable)

Learning Objects … are internally contextualised … are activity-based … use text, audio, video, animation, interactive exercises, threaded discussion, real-time voice and text chat

Towards reusability Conformity to a set of design principles ensuring a consistent LO style Use of a customised Dreamweaver toolbar for LO creation Use of reusable Flash activity types into which new content can be inserted Ensuring LOs can be delivered through different VLEs

The customised Dreamweaver toolbar –Activity boxes –Show/hide buttons –Glossary link –Link to gateway page for weblinks –Online dictionary link –Text fields for writing in –Drop down boxes –Radio buttons –Links to dependent resources ( DRs) such as images, Flash, pdf and Word files, Hot Potatoes

Processing learning objects Create LOsSubmit for editorial comment Carry out any revisions Checklist LOs Submit LOs to Southampton Final editing Final checklisting Move LOs from working to master folders Upload to web-based learning environment

Course design process Design new course Retrieve suitable LOs from existing bank Carry out any revisions Create any new LOs needed Edit and checklist new LOs Review and revise course structure and content Create course structure in VLE Move LOs from working to master folders Upload LOs to VLE

First problems Level of interactivity/student scaffolding Clarity of LO instructions Guidelines for developers Creating reusable LOs Dependent resources Weblinks

Future challenges Assigning metadata to LOs Storage and retrieval of LOs Simple user interface for Flash bank Research and refreshment

Useful references Jolliffe, A., J. Ritter & D. Stevens (2001) The Online Learning Handbook: Developing and Using Web-based Learning. London and Sterling, VA: Kogan Page. Littlejohn, A. (Ed) (2003) Reusing Online Resources: a sustainable approach to e- learning. London and Sterling, VA: Kogan Page.