Object types

Let’s clarify just what a learning object might look like. First of all, it might contain a single media element – a piece of video or text, for example – or it might contain a mix, say text with graphics or animation with an audio commentary. It can be argued that a learning object should be able to make reference to offline media, stored on CD-ROM, a videocassette or in a book; to real-time online events such as text-based chats or videoconferencing; or even to face-to-face events such as individual coaching sessions, workshops or seminars. None of these really fit my definition, although I’m sure they can all benefit from being treated in an object-orientated way – as potential components of a learning programme, alongside packaged, digital objects.

Types of learning objects

Integrated	Informational	Practice
Mini-tutorials Mini case studies, simulations, etc. with supportive information	Overviews / summaries Descriptions / definitions Demonstrations / models Worked examples Cases / stories Papers / articles Decision aids	Problems / case studies Games / simulations Drill-and-practice exercises Review exercises Tests / assessments

Learning objects can serve a variety of purposes. On the one hand, they may provide a fully self-contained mini-tutorial. They may also comprise the elements in a more extended learning cycle - overviews, case studies, simulations, assessments and so on. There’s also no reason why learning objects shouldn’t serve a primarily referential purpose – as information available in the form of performance support. What’s really important is that the objects be short enough to be digestible and flexibly applied to a variety of situations. How short? Well, probably no more than 30 minutes when used by a typical learner. Many will last no more than a couple of minutes.

Case study: the Training Foundation

The Training Foundation completed in 2001 one of the first major applications of learning objects in the UK with the development of their e-learning product Delivering Website Usability. Some 250 self-contained learning objects were created, although the product launched initially as a series of 14 short courses. According to the project manager for the series, Les Hobbs: “Full advantage can only be taken of a learning objects architecture when learning management systems have the capability to work intelligently with the components to respond flexibly to user requirements. By creating this product in a modular fashion, we’ll be ready to take advantage of these developments as they arise”.