Learning Objects in Wider Context

Learning Objects in Wider Context This presentation by Stephen Downes incorporates recent comments by David Wiley (.pdf) and the RCLT (narrowly defined objects cannot be reused, broadly defined cannot be strung together)…and takes the discussion in new directions by questioning/discussing:

• Current metadata procedures (currently done by the designer, Stephen recommends a blog-like model where metadata is created at the time of use. This is a common sense suggestion. Originally websites were identified by designer created metadata…but this model proved to be wide open to abuse (porn industry). Google has solved the dilemma by ignoring metadata assigned by the creator and focusing on page ranking and the actual content)
• Language reuse (in English, we only have 26 letters to work with!). The value is not in the repository, but in the manner in which the content of the repository is used.
• Meaning derived from objects as a function of how they are put together (those educators in fear of education becoming a cold, packaged experienced can rest easy knowing their efforts will still center on creating quality learning experiences)
• The learning environment (simulation, embedded, integrated) creates the context of reuse