Learning Objects (Widgets, Gadgets, Gizmos, Web Services)
Wisconsin Online Resource Center, Robert J. Beck suggests that learning objects have the following key characteristics:
- Learning objects are a new way of thinking about learning content. Traditionally, content comes in a several hour chunk. Learning objects are much smaller units of learning, typically ranging from 2 minutes to 15 minutes.
- Are self-contained – each learning object can be taken independently
- Are reusable – a single learning object may be used in multiple contexts for multiple purposes
- Can be aggregated – learning objects can be grouped into larger collections of content, including traditional course structures
- Are tagged with metadata – every learning object has descriptive information allowing it to be easily found by a search[UOFW]
For our purposes, learning objects may also include widgets, gadgets, and "gizmos" made available from various sources which may be accessed from a specific location or embedded into websites etc.
I am also including Virtual Field Trips, Podcasts, Vodcasts, Screencasts etc.
