Filling the Gaps in E-Learning: A Virtual Showcase on Learning Objects
Abstract: Although learning objects have been defined as digitized entities which can be used, reused or referenced during technology supported learning, researchers continue to quibble about their definition. This Virtual Showcase takes the learner on one instructor’s journey to get past the perception of learning objects as only digital resources and, instead, to transform them into teachable moments. Information in this session draws upon the presenter’s personal experience with learning objects - as both an instructor and a student - and data collected from her current research into students’ and instructors’ perceptions of learning objects. Just what do instructors think about learning objects? What do students think? What is it about a learning object that engages students, or not? What do students find contextually appropriate? Can a learning object move beyond its neutrality and motivate the learner? Should learning objects be reusable or re-developable? These and other questions will be addressed during the course of this presentation.