Trends and Issues: The Impact of Learning Objects

Introduction

Figure 1: Anatomy of an e-Learning Object, 2003

Advances in the field of technology have brought a paradigm shift in the way people learn. The traditional classroom environment is transforming to a blended learning format with the advancement of eLearning or Distance Learning. Schools and businesses are developing online curriculum due to the increase in population, cost, and a bigger geographic scope. Technology is changing how learning is taught. The need to take classroom-based instruction, materials, and information to create a low-cost, high quality instruction in a web-based format has given way to the concept of Learning Objects (LOs).

Wiley states that LOs are invading the field of instructional design and technology as the new design and development paradigm of choice (2002). This paper will first discuss the background of LOs, which includes the history and definitions of LOs. Next, we will discuss the impact of LOs on the Instructional Designer and learner. Finally, the paper will discuss the implications of LOs on the present and future of learning. The conclusion will include a personal opinion and recommendations for Instructional Designers who may want to implement LOs in their development plan.

Documents and Activities for Class Presentation:

1. Trends and Issues: The Impact of Learning Objects (pdf)
2. Power Point Presentation (pdf)
3. Exploring Adaptive Learning Objects
4. Learning Objects Handout (pdf)

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