Learning objects, what are they

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Learning objects, what are they?

• Eija Kalliala, Helia
• homepage http//myy.helia.fi/kalei/

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Characteristics of learning objects

• Part of learning material
• Context dependent or universal
• Reusable (RLO reusable learning object)
• Small, independent, compact
• Usually contains multi- or hypermedia
• Pedagogically open in theory
• Metadata index to the repository
• Standards (eg. SCORM Shareable Content Object
  Reference Model)

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Learning object types

• Assessment
• Drill and practice
• Information resource
• Glossary
• Guide
• Exploration
• Open activity
• Tool

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Learning object types

• Assessment
• Evaluation of the student
• Self-evaluation
• Quizzes, arithmetics, filling blanks
• Feedback and interactivity
• Drill and practice
• Training a single phenomenon

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Learning object types

• Information resource
• Text material
• Could be clarified with pictures or animations
• Must have a pedagogical function
• Glossary
• Vocabularies
• Different branches or sectors

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Learning object types

• Guide
• Manuals
• Tutorials
• Exploration
• Simulations
• Modelling tools

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Learning object types

• Open activity
• For example interactive games with many players
• Tool
• A user may produce something new with a
  specialized application
• Developing pictures or videos, writing to a chat
  or to a discussion forum

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Pedagogical function

• Cognitive activation
• Context creation, problem determination
• Hypotese testing
• Using information sources
• Knowledge building
• Reflection
• Evaluation

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Pros and cons

• Pros
• Reusability
• Maintanability
• Quality

• Cons
• New approach
• Technical restrictions
• Pedagogical restrictions

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PILOT - Progressive Inquiry Learning Object
Templates

• http//fle3.uiah.fi/pilot/
• How to design and present learning objects to
  promote truly social constructive learning?
• Project started in 2005

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Some questions

• How can we find existing learning objects?
• We learn usually in some context How can we use
  reusable learning objects in learning?
• What is the additional value of an animation?
• The job of teachers is to teach Why do they
  create learning objects?
• Do we need to create learning objects or learning
  materials in problem based learning or in
  progressive inquiry?

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Sources

• Marika Ritala Opetushypermedia verkkoympäristön
  oppimisaihoissa. Publication of Tampere
  Polytechnic, series B, report 11. Tampere 2004.
• Pasi Silander, Hanne Koli Verkko-opetuksen
  työkalupakki oppimisaihioista
  oppimisprosessiin. Finn Lectura. Saarijärven
  Offset. Saarijärvi 2003.