Teaching with Learning Objects
The Language of Learning Objects
Synonyms: Learning objects, or LOs, may also be called Reusable Learning Objects or Repurposeable Learning Objects (both known as RLOs). Sharable Content Objects, or SCOs, are learning objects that adhere to the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) standards.
Some common terms:
- Aggregate, Aggregation: cluster, gather together to make a whole, as in gathering a number of learning objects together to create a whole lesson or course
- Granular, Granularity: refers to the degree of "fineness" of the content. Smaller "grains" of content have less information, but also less context, making them usble in more types of situations
- Interactive: includes learning, practicing, tracking and/or assessment components that learner can access and interact with
- Interoperable: works equally well with different learning management systems
- Learning Management System: online course platforms such as Desire2Learn, Blackboard, WebCT, etc.
- Metadata: "data about data"; descriptive information, similar to that found in a library cataloging system, that allows the object to be retrieved in a repository search
- Repository: a system that stores electronic objects and metadata about those objects, and provides ready access to potential users; like a library of learning objects
- Repurposeable: purpose changes with different target audiences, can be easily used in different contexts and settings
- Reusable: can be used multiple times across multiple settings
For a more comprehensive glossary of terms related to learning objects, please visit:
http://www.reusablelearning.org/glossary-print.asp
This project is sponsored in part by The Fund for The Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education.
This project is made possible by support from the UW - Madison School Of Nursing
