Learning object
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A learning object is a reusable unit of instruction for e-learning. In order to use it in different contexts, the presentation has to be separated from the content. which calls for specific data formats. SCORM is such a format.
Alongside SCORM, a draft learning object metadata scheme is underway in the UK. The UK Learning Object Metadata Core attempts to create a consistent tagging system which enables educationalists to tag their learning objects.
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Learning object projects
MERLOT
[1] (http://www.merlot.org) MERLOT, short for the "Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching," is a free and open resource designed primarily for faculty and students of higher education. MERLOT includes links to online learning materials along with annotations such as peer reviews and assignments.
To learn more about the MERLOT project, visit http://taste.merlot.org/. For the latest news from MERLOT, visit http://taste.merlot.org/portal/grapevine/. Finally, to browse the subsets of the whole MERLOT collection that are focused on specific disciplines, visit http://www.merlot.org/home/Sites.po
United Kingdom Learning Object Metadata Core
United Kingdom Learning Object Metadata Core or UK LOM Core [2] (http://www.cetis.ac.uk/profiles/uklomcore) is currently a draft schema researched by a community of practitioners to identify common UK practice in learning object content.
By comparing 12 metadata schemas, UK LOM puts together the common core of metadata elements and seeks to record common practice, rather than best practice. Its aim is not to be prescriptive but rather reflect what practitioners are doing whilst tagging content.
There are three types of elements within UK LOM:
- Mandatory
- Optional
- Optional (recommended)
Mandatory elements must always be completed to ensure interoperability. Optional elements may be included where there is a benefit of doing this. Optional (recommended) elements should be included wherever possible.
Canada Learning Object Project eduSource
[3] (http://www.edusource.ca) eduSource is a Canada-wide project to create the infrastructure for a network of interoperable learning object repositories. A repository differs from standard web materials by providing teachers, students and parents with information that is structured and organized to facilitate the finding and use of learning materials regardless of their source location. The eduSource project is based on national and international standards; it is bilingual (French/English) and it is accessible to all Canadians and internationally, including those with disabilities.
The eduSource suite of tools is available on the LICEF website at the Télé-Université du Québec [4] (http://edusource.licef.teluq.uquebec.ca/ese/en/index.jsp).
CanCore
[5] (http://www.cancore.ca) CanCore is an application profile (like the UK LOM Core [6] (http://www.cetis.ac.uk/profiles/uklomcore)) of the Learning Object Metadata standard (IEEE 1484.12.1-2002 [7] (http://ltsc.ieee.org/wg12/20020612-Final-LOM-Draft.html)). However, unlike many application profiles, CanCore provides detailed guidance for the interpretation and implementation of each data element in the LOM standard. These guidelines constitute a 250-page document, and have been developed over three years through consultation with experts across Canada and throughout the world. These guidelines are also available at no charge from the CanCore Website.
Burrokeet
[8] (http://www.burrokeet.org) Burrokeet is an Open Source Software tool that assists in the creation of Learning Objects from existing content. It is able to take, as input, a wide range of document formats and export them as consistently styled content within Learning Objects. This frees the content developer to focus on the quality of their content without having to overly concern themselves with presentation. Similarly editors of Learning Objects need not concern themselves with ensuring authors use the same development tool, they are free to use whatever tool they are most familiar with. As a result Burrokeet enhances the reusability of content within Learning Objects.