Learning Objects Discussion Document
This is the current definition of LO from User Requirements Vs 2.
?Learning objects Standalone educationally coherent units of
learning that:
encapsulate high quality information facilitate learning and pedagogy of disciplines are reusable in a range learning contexts remain unchanged when contextualised?
From Mary: ?The objects should contribute to the learning of the user.
They are not meant to be assessment experiences or revision
experiences or drill and practice experiences.
They are meant to contribute to the understanding of concepts and processes and the development of skills.
This does not mean that assessment, revision or drill and practice cannot be exhibited through interaction with the learning objects but this is not the primary focus. At the most granular level a learning object must have content integrity and able to be used independently for learning. They must also be developed with potential repurposing and recontextualisation in mind, so that they may be combined into learning sequences developed by a teacher within a specific learning environment for specific learning needs.?
From Cheryl: ?A LO is any grouping of materials that is structured
in a meaningful way and is tied to an educational objective (Johnson,
2003, as cited in Smith, 2003/4?).?
Becta defines a LO as: ? short episodes or units of learning
lasting around 20-30 minutes?. LO focuses on one or two LO and
comprises a piece of information, an exercise or task, a self test
(assessment).
LO for GeTT
We are still not clear on what constitutes a Leaning Object.
More thoughts from Smith:
Materials are related
Without measurable objective the material is just a
collection
Digital
Can include metadata
Content + interface
Content is made up of assets, which may include: images,
text, passages, videos etc.
The interface is that with which the learner interacts
includes graphic design, navigational elements, and other controls.
Some LOs include built in assignments other are more open
Some include quizzes or assessment (some LOs are quizzes)
some are for practice
Pedagogy
Requires well planned educational experience
Need clear objective in mind
Guides:
Keep educational goal in focus
Include only assets that meet your goals
Make a connection between content and learners? own
situation
Provide a conceptual framework or ideas
Choose concrete examples rather than abstract
Keep content focussed on how the learner may see the
material
Present content appropriately
Select appropriate activity structures
Offer a choice of learning paths
Offer activities that address different modalities of
learning
Offer prompt and constructive feedback
Consider assessment issues currently LO do not include a
built in assessment.
We acknowledge that there are diverse views on Learning Objects but
for the purposes of GeTTs a learning object will be:
A reusable, repurposable, recontextualable digital object that is
able to be used independently for learning and may be combined into
learning sequences. A LO is well structured and contributes to the
learning of the user. A GeTTs Learning Objective will include:
Metadata
Content
* Interface
Metadata is yet to be agreed upon but may include:
Object title
Object number
Author
Institution
Relationship to NZQA units
Date of production
Date for renewal./revision
Assets
Mode of production
Content will include:
Objective
Introduction
Textual information
Graphics in jpeg or gif format
Multimedia in Shockwave flash
Interface will include:
In page navigational information
Access to help files
LMS navigation
Content list
