Learning Objects 101: A Primer for Neophytes
Quote: "Ask any three educators what a learning object is, and you're liable to get three different answers. For some, learning objects-small reusable chunks of learning-represent a major paradigm shift away from the traditional unit of learning that has dominated formal education for the last two centuries-the course...For others, learning objects are just a fancy new handle for something that teachers have been doing for years-sharing."
Comment: Nice overview of learning objects...complete with many links to articles and sites ( which have been detailed here over the last several weeks/months). As I've stated before, learning objects are currently presented only from an educator/administrator perspective (reusable - save time, save money (get the free can opener if you order now...)). I know educators are grappling with increased costs, reduced budgets...and "consumer" demand for high quality education. Learning objects are often viewed as the solution to these problems.
Learning objects need to be considered more from a learners perspective. How do LO's help the learning process? How do learners benefit? Obviously - better quality education resources...but beyond that is the real value...if learning content is chunked, then learners can conceivably enter a course at various levels (rather than at the start and progress through till the end) - and content can be presented in various ways (audio, video, text, etc - all achieving the same learning outcome, but geared towards different learning styles, intelligences)...learner value in learning objects is found in personalization. As long as reuse is the main focus, a big part of the reason for using objects is being overlooked.
Posted by gsiemens at November 20, 2002 10:03 PM