Learning Objects

From Tech

Learning objects represent a new way of thinking about learning content. Traditionally, content comes in several hour chunks. Learning objects are much smaller units of learning – self contained, reusable, and web-based.

Learning objects do not take the place of teachers or textbooks. Rather, they are supplemental content designed to appeal to a variety of learning styles and provide students additional opportunities to learn.

Since LOs are small, self-contained, independent chunks of knowledge, they can be re-used by others in multiple contexts for multiple purposes and presented as components of instruction or as reference information.

They should be based on a clear instructional strategy – intended to cause learning through internal processing and/or action.

The best Learning Objects are interactive, requiring students to view, listen to, respond to or interact with the content in some way.

LOs are often aggregated, collected, and grouped into larger collections of content for broad dissemination. Some subjects, such as science, have hundreds of LOs available. There are very few in the area of the arts. (More about learning objects here or here.)

More About Learning and Pedagogy

[edit] Learning Objects by Otis Students: Patty Kovic's Typography 5 Class

As part of the curriculum, students were asked to identify a subject taught at Otis, collaborate with a teacher, and create a learning object using Flash. Otis students were empowered to create learning experiences directed toward their younger peers. Since they have the excellent design skills, the results were extraordinary. Take a look at the examples are listed below:

• How to Construct a Foam Pyramid by Scott Benoit
• How to Sew a Button by Brooklyn Brown
• Green Printing by Linda Sum
• Type Master by Reggie Galang
• How to Mix Ink for Letterpress Printing by Estefania Bentes
• Fabric Remix by Ava Lui

[edit] Sample Learning Objects from Elsewhere

• Causes of Color
• Color Vision & Art
• Frameworks Learning Object
• Build Your Own Classroom
• Keyboard Components
• Modern Mediasphere Interactive
• Pigments Through the Ages
• Podcast About the Podcast
• Searching Effectively Using AND, OR, NOT
• SmARThistory Blog Discussion and Learning Objects Created by Art Historians
• The Information Cycle (15 minute Flash movie)
• What is Information Literacy? (8 minute movie)

[edit] Otis Grants for Learning Objects

A percentage of the TLC's mini-grants will be reserved for the creation of learning objects specifically to enhance the curriculum for the Otis Information Competency Program.