What is a learning object? We are learning that it is a moving target...here are some definitions that might help. To the left are some responses from our colleagues at the MN e-Learning Summit.
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"[A]ny entity, digital or non-digital, that may be used for learning, education or training"
[from the IEEE 1484.12.1-2002, 15 July 2002, Draft Standard for Learning Object Metadata, IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee (LTSC)]
Here are some more definitions:
From the Minnesota Online Digital Exchange (MODE): One of the simplest definitions (SREB, 2005) is that a LO is any digital resource that can be used and reused to support learning. Smith’s (2004) New Media Consortium definition adds a layer of context to the simple definition outlined by SREB (2005) with a statement connecting LOs to materials that are grouped in structured, meaningful content combinations and tied to measurable education objectives. Examples of LOs could include, but are not limited to digital resources such as:
and finally...
Learning Objects and Other 'Things'
One of the things that seems to have the academic world on edge has to be the far-reaching, broad definition that has been given to learning objects:
"...any entity, digital or non-digital, which can be used, re-used or referenced during technology supported learning; examples include multimedia content, instructional content, learning objectives, instructional software and software tools, and persons, organizations, or events referenced during technology supported learning" (IEEE, LTSC, 2003).
This implies that just about any-'thing' in the known universe could qualify as an object. According to Webopedia (2003), an object in the realm of information technology is:
“Any item that can be individually selected and manipulated. This can include shapes and pictures that appear on a display screen as well as less tangible software entities. In object-oriented programming, for example, an object is a self-contained entity that consists of both data and procedures to manipulate the data.” (http://www.shawmultimedia.com/edtech_oct_03.html)