NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN DEPARTMENT
Learning Objects
Learning objects are defined as any digital resource that can be reused to support learning. They are usually small chunks of knowledge and differ from traditional instructional media in that they can be used anytime, anywhere. All learning objects are tagged with meta-data so they can be placed in a depository and easily found in a search. Learning objects can be broken down into two parts, the actual learning object itself and metadata that describes it. They can also be aggregated in that they can be grouped together to form larger, more substantial modules of learning. Learning objects may help transform the way you deliver content.
Online Repositories or or Learning Object Libraries:
Merlot: database
of online learning objects
Apple
Learning Interchange: Searchable database
Gateway to
Educational Materials (GEM) Project
Wisconsin Online
Resource Center
SMETE Digital
Library: Science, math, engineering and technology learning
resources
Information about Learning Objects:
The
Instructional Use of Learning Objects: an online book edited by
David Wiley
Learning
Object Metadata
Creating Learning Objects
Use and Abuse of Reusable Learning Objects: article by Pithamber R.
Polsani