Association for Biology Laboratory Education

How to Choose and Use a Learning Object Repository
 

Black, B.

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Abstract

Learning objects (LOs) are becoming increasingly popular for use in classroom as well as distance education teaching. A digital LO can be quite simple, a short video clip for example, or as complex as an interactive Flash animation, Java simulation or annotated lesson plan. Many learning objects are freely available via the Internet from learning object repositories (LORs). This poster compares 3 types of LORs regarding their potential for use in teaching as well as feasibility for submitting a LO. The latter is of special interest, since it is possible for instructors to create a LO, submit it to a peer-reviewed repository, and cite the LO as a publication. It is concluded that BEN (BiosciEdNet) is the best LOR for locating scientifically valid LOs and for submitting LOs that can be referenced as publications. The North Carolina LOR is useful for linking LOs directly to learning management systems and for quick and easy submission of materials.

Keywords:  database

University of Delaware (2009)