Learning Objects - The New Approach in Instructional Design

Learning objects are re-usable, indendent and easily searched - the perfect answer to interactive online courseware development

NUS Learning Object Repository

NUS staff can find existing learning objects at IVLE. These are kindly contributed by NUS staff. Launched in November 2002, there are presently around 30 titles, across all Faculties.

Through the IVLE Lesson Plan, learning objects can be incorporated into lecturers IVLE lesson plan.

What are learning objects?

Instead of creating large file size content, code and graphics for a particular course, the ideal solution is to break the whole content down to much smaller and manageable “byte” size objects that can be re-packaged and re-purposed into a variety of different course. See example, interactive simulation on a “Heat Exchanger”, originally created for a Chemical Engineering course. It can also be used for other non-engineering courses, to explain similar principles.

How to use learning objects?

To make learning objects more meaningful, they should have the following properties:

• Self-contained and containing a particular set of learning objectives. The learning object itself should be independent. It can be used as a “stand-alone” or as a component for a larger course.
• Re-usable – the learning objects can be re-used for a variety of courses, in multiple context for multiple purposes.
• It should be catalogued with descriptive information allowing it to be searched and identified easily.

Other examples of digital libraries and repositories of Learning Resources

• Ilumina’s Digital library
• National Engineering Education System
• Merlot
• GEM – Gateway to Educational Materials
• EOE – Educational Objects Economy
• EEVL – Originally known as Edinburgh Engineering Virtual Library