Learning Objects, Reusable Learning Objects, RLOs
What are they?
Learning objects are notoriously difficult to define. They can range from an individual item (such as a handout, image or video clip) to a self-contained interactive resource “based on a single learning objective and comprising a stand-alone collection of 4 components: presentation, activity, assessment & links” ( UCEL).
Learning objects tend to be thought of as Web-based digital resources, although they do not have to be. However, reusability is a key feature: learning objects are intended to be shared with other teachers, either for use in their own teaching (with or without modifications) or as a source of inspiration when designing learning activities of their own.
Some teachers already exchange resources informally amongst each other, particularly within their “home” organisation. However, there is now a major initiative to promote the nationwide sharing and reuse of digital learning objects. One of the key players is UCEL, the Universities’ Collaboration in eLearning, which is spearheading the sharing of multimedia learning objects across a number of universities. Its Website includes an account of the background to, and rationale for, reusable learning objects, which may be of wider interest.
How can I use them with my students?
A learning object is intended for use within a particular learning session: i.e. it doesn’t correspond to a complete session. Whether - and how - you make use of a learning object will depend on a number of factors, e.g.:
- Whether it fits into your plan (learning design) for the session
- How suitable it is for your students in terms of content, complexity and match to their learning style
- Whether you can use it as it is, or whether you need to adapt it (and, if so, how much time it will take to do so)
Examples
- The following learning objects were created as part of the Sharing the LOAD Project in the D4L Programme.
We are still researching examples and case studies for this topic. If you would like to contribute any (whether from your own teaching or from other sources), please contact us.
Where can I get them?
If you are feeling adventurous and you have either some multimedia skills of your own or access to learning technologists in your organisation, then you can create your own learning objects. Otherwise, you will need to look around for suitable ones to re-use, either by searching the Web or by interrogating a repository of learning objects such as JORUM which requires institutional membership, and the UCEL collection. Other major learning object repositories include MERLOTand Connexions.
These learning objects are of two types:
- Ready-made, self-contained units of learning, incorporating multimedia features. You can read through the catalogue to see what’s available. However, an easy-to-follow example that encapsulates the basic features of an RLO is Science Basics: Pressure.
- Generative learning objects. These are “templates” into which teachers can insert their own content. A good example is Ethical Decision-Making.
