Tay’s Flexible Learning Environments

Learning objects

14 April, 2008

The widely accepted definition of learning objects is Gibbon’s definition. Gibbon defines learning objects as computer media used for the purpose of instructing. The terminology of this idea is sometimes referred to as “instructional object”, “educational object”, “knowledge object”, “intelligent object”, or “data object”. The main properties of learning objects include all the following combinations of a self-contained module, learner focused, audio, video and graphical compatible, reusable, updatable, expandable, and shareable. These properties fit in the realm of constructivism which allow computers the ability of giving instruction in an interactive computer activity that promote students constructing their own knowledge (Dabbagh at al, 2005; Gibbons, 2000). There is a variety of learning object types. The type which this blog will concentrate on is the ‘generative-instructional’ type. An explanation for generative-instructional learning objects given by Wiley is: an executable instructional transaction shell which both instructs and provides practices for any type of procedure (Wiley, 2000). 

It is my firm belief in a new process of preparing new workers for the emerging knowledge economy requiring transferable thinking skills rather than content knowledge or task-specific skills. The core attribute to this new knowledge economy requires the ability to master how to learn new things since the exponential development in ICT is making old skills and knowledge redundant and generating needs for new skills and knowledge. A fertile question that stems from this belief is “how can we design ICT activities with a focus on learning object to support a thinking oriented classroom?”. I am passionate about this topic and I will place a fertile question on my wiki link that will focus on mathematics and learning objects: That question is: How can we provide learning objects to establish and enhance good thinking skills and habits in mathematics? (example: Area of a circle)

References:

• Dabbagh, N. & Bannan-Ritland, B. (2005). Online learning: Concepts, strategies, and application. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc
• Gibbons, A. S., Nelson, J. & Richards, R. (2000). The nature and origin of instructional objects. In D. A. Wiley (Ed.), The Instructional Use of Learning Objects: Online Version. Retrieved from: http://reusability.org/read/chapters/gibbons.doc 
• Wiley, D. A. (2000). Connecting learning objects to instructional design theory: A definition, a metaphor, and a taxonomy. In D. A. Wiley (Ed.), The Instructional Use of Learning Objects: Online Version. Retrieved from http://reusability.org/read/chapters/wiley.doc

Entry Filed under: Definition, Personal thought. .