Origins

The idea behind Learning Objects originates from Object Oriented Programming in computing. In Object Oriented Programming objects are created to represent real world entities such as products and customers. These objects encapsulate information about the object and the operations that may be performed with it.

The key benefit is that objects can be re-used in different applications. Rather than every programmer developing their own customer objects, a few programmers develop very good ones and these are plugged into future applications involving customers.

Definition

Learning Objects are blocks of learning which may include both explanations and assessment of how well the explanation has been understood. Learning Objects generally come with a description of what they are intended to teach. They may then be adopted, and possibly adapted by instructors, thus obviating the need to continually re-invent wheels by creating yet another version of material that already exists many times over.

Learning Objects are not a new idea - the textbook is an excellent example. However, computer technology now makes it possible both to share and locate resources easily anywhere in the world.

Stephen Downes makes a compelling case for the economic benefits of this approach in his essay Learning Objects (2000).

Concerns

There are concerns about the use of Learning Objects. There is a risk that learning quality may be compromised by using generic rather than purpose-built instructional materials. This highlights the need for the appropriate selection of Learning Objects, their adaptation where necessary, and quality learner support systems.

Some instructors feel it is faster to create their own learning resources rather than locating and evaluating existing material. This concern is likely to be addressed as the approach becomes more common and searchable repositories become larger and more widely available. Standardized mechanisms for describing Learning Objects, include instructor reviews, will also increase the level of adoption.

Improperly used, Learning Objects can appear to present knowledge as consisting of distinct, unrelated chunks rather than an interlinked whole. This may be avoided by appropriate contextualization and support, ie ensuring learners know WHY they are studying a particular topic and HOW it fits into the bigger picture.

See also

The Instructional Use of Learning Objects an online book that tries to go beyond the technological hype and connect learning objects to instruction and learning.

Collections of "Learning Objects"

MERLOT - Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching a free and open resource designed primarily for faculty and students of higher education. Links to online learning materials are collected along with annotations such as peer reviews and assignments.

MIT OpenCourseWare online publication of MIT course materials.

Interoperability

A closely related topic is that of interoperability. For some years a number of bodies such as Advanced Distributed Learning, the IEEE and IMS have been working to develop standards for digital learning content and computerized learning delivery systems. The idea behind these standards is that any conformant learning content will be capable of being delivered through any conformant platform, much as Sony and Maxell CD-ROMs may be used in Dell and Toshiba computers.

The compliance with standards has two advantages for institutions. Firstly, it maximizes the range of external materials which may be brought in and delivered through the particular platforms in use. Secondly, it provides the largest possible potential market for internally created resources.

For more information on learning technology standards, see

SCORM Overview from Advanced Distributed Learning.

SCORM 2004 Primer an introduction to SCORM from McGill Digital Solutions.

The IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee (LTSC)

IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc. IMS develops and promotes the adoption of open technical specifications for interoperable learning technology.

CETIS - Centre For Educational Technology Interoperability Standards