Design and Development of Learning Objects for E-Learning

Abtar Kaur
Open and Distance Learning Pedagogy Centre, Open University Malaysia

Kenneth Ho
Open and Distance Learning Pedagogy Centre, Open University Malaysia

Abstract
Introduction

With the advent of the internet, an alternative to delivering education namely; e-learning has emerged. E-learning has been touted as the wave of the future in delivering education and training anywhere and anytime. However, the full potential of e-learning can only be realised with the infusion of instructional design principles. With proper understanding and application of these principles, e-learning developers can produce e-learning content that effectively achieves its purposes.

The “learning objects” concept is fast gaining momentum and popularity in schools. Characteristics such as reusability, cross-platform compatibility and interoperability further enhance its potential in e-learning. The total time and costs invested by an organisation in e-learning content development can be minimised greatly through a unique development model using OUM-Indiana University’s Learning Object Instructional Template Methodology (TALON) which has won 3 international awards.

In this highly interactive workshop, you will:
- Learn how to harness the true potential of e-learning through effective Instructional Design.
- Discover how to save up to 90% of time, costs and expert labour involved in e-learning development using Learning Object Templates.
- Be involved with a team that has won 3 international awards and has provided numerous training sessions for partipants in Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Malaysia.


Program Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

- explain what is e-learning and the rationale for its adoption
- apply instructional design models in developing an e-learning course
- identify the principles of designing an e-learning course
- identify and prepare lesson content for learning object development
- identify and use the key components of the Flash Workspace
- build complete and functioning learning objects using templates


Target Audience

– Teachers/Educators
– Content Developers
– Subject Matter Experts
– Instructional Designers
– Instructors
– Multimedia Developers


Implementation

- It would be ideal if the participants consisted of a mix of personnel involved in e-learning development as specified in the Target Audience section above.
- Participants will be divided into teams, each team consisting of at least one content writer/instructional designer/subject matter expert, and one courseware developer.
- Prior to the start of the program, participants are required to source out learning content that they feel would be ideal to be developed into an e-learning course using learning objects.
- For the group projects, computer facilities with Microsoft Office and Macromedia Flash (version MX or above) are required.

Full text of paper not available.