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Information technology has revolutionized the imparting of knowledge. The modern method of teaching and learning has transformed the concept of knowledge dissemination. The present digital era allows the faculties and learners to be at different parts of world and also enables the users to access the digital information at anytime, anywhere. The digitization of learning resources has paved the way for the concept of `Learning Objects'. This paper introduces the concept of learning objects, its characteristics and benefits.
The term, Learning Object (LO), was first popularized by Wayne Hodgins in 1994 (Hodgins, 2002). LOs represent a new conceptual model used in the context of learning. They are primarily used in technology supported learning - e-learning. The fundamental idea behind the creation of these learning objects by instructional designers is the reuse of these components in different learning contexts (Wiley, 2000). Learning objects are like Lego blocks. Just as children use the same Lego blocks to form various objects such as a house or a rocket, similarly learning objects are aggregated together to form a chapter or module or even a curriculum. Analogous to Lego blocks, these LOs are reusable. In the traditional model of imparting education, schools, universities and academic institutes play an important role. The traditional instructional method includes face-to-face teaching methodologies like lectures and blackboard teaching. These are time bound and the physical presence of the instructor is a must. Traditional instructional content is developed for specific audience keeping in mind the circumstance of instruction and learning.
The traditional model of imparting education is a closed model, which is presented in Figure 2. The universities and academic institutes are represented as the `Education Managers', structured curricula and standards for judging the level of learning are available. The teachers or the `Knowledge Developers' can create relevant educational resources or the content in their respective fields of expertise. Students or the `Learners' use these educational resources of their desired field of study to gain education and knowledge. |
