Instructional Events as Learning Objects

What is a learning object?

Learning objects are digital content than be used and reused for teaching and learning, especially in online courses. They may be used to teach a particular skill or concept, or to provide stimulating thinking and learning experiences for the student. Learning objects are ideal for online instruction since the student can visit the learning object as many times as needed for concept or lesson mastery.

There are many definitions and interpretations of what a learning object represents. In its strictest sense, a learning object is any digital resource that can be reused to support learning such as a media clip, a PowerPoint, an image or a webpage. A learning object in this form is referred to as a “digital asset”.

A better concept of a learning object is one in which a collection of digital assets supports a learning objective with associated learning activities and assessment. This type of learning object is designed around an instructional event and usually generates higher levels of thinking from the learners.

Effective learning objects use documents, interactivity, graphics, simulations, video, sound and other rich media that go beyond static textbook presentations to engage students in the real-world.