The Problematic Learning Object Rosemary Aud Franklin Libraries

The Problematic Learning. Object Rosemary Aud Franklin Libraries in the Digital Age Conference, 2005 Dubrovnik, CROATIA

The Problematic Learning. Object: So what’s the problem? If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it must be a learning object.

Learning objects: artifacts that present instructional content or activities OR “any entity, digital or non-digital, that may be used for learning, education or training OR “any digital resource that can be reused to support learning” (Parrish, 52)

Object-oriented instructional design • Strategy for designing digital content and activity that is adaptable and scalable

Design Strategy • Dividing instructional content and activities into discrete, coherent units • Embedding metadata that accurately describes the characteristics of that content such that a person or learning management system can retrieve it • Context free design so that content can fit within multiple contexts

Learning object as PROCESS for constructing knowledge • Scalable – Virtual learning environment; for example, Web site – Form & content: add breadth & depth • Adaptable – Managed learning environment; for example, Blackboard or course management software – usability – interactive

Nation, Family, State: Women’s Political Writings http: //www. uc. edu/nationfamilystate/ A National Endowment for the Humanities Grant Faculty Collaboration: University of Cincinnati Purdue University Xavier University

Adaptability • Blackboard or course management tool – Interactive • Discussion Board – Institutional collaboration • syllabi exchange and development; course development; knowledge transfer

Scalability • Web structure can be expanded or restricted – Added coverage and scope – Narrow specialization

NOT a learning object • Not cataloged • No metadata to describe form/content • Not searchable on Internet other than title

But rather a Virtual Learning Environment • Adaptable and manageable content • Modular parts; scalable • Learning community of scale