Digital learning objects (DLOs) are educational resources delivered online that can be used modularly and are reusable. They include presentations, web guides, screencasts, videos, lectures, quizzes and virtual exhibits. As online learning evolves, there will be greater participation from traditional universities, more hybrid courses, and curated open access DLOs that use mixed media. The future may also include gamified DLOs, integration of digital humanities tools like text mining and GIS, and students creating knowledge through DLOs.

1. Digital Learning Objects
Laura Wimberley, PhD, MLIS

2. Online Learning
• Physical distance
• Technology (usually a computer) to
access learning materials
• Technology to interact with the instructor
and with other learners
• Support for learners

3. Digital Learning Objects
• Delivered online
• Educational
• Modular
• Reusable
• Open
• Practice
• Assessment

4. Presentations

5. Web Guides

6. Screencasts

7. Videos

8. @CSUN
• Lecture capture
• Quizzes
• Virtual exhibits

9. The Future
• More open access resources
• More participation by reputable,
traditional universities
• More hybrid courses

10. Information Literacy DLOs
• Peer review
• Finding books & articles from citations
• Primary sources – what they are & how
to find them
• Copyright & public domain

11. Near Future
• Mixed media objects
• Curated open access digital learning
objects

12. The Future: Primary Sources
• Supreme Court cases
• Oviatt Special Collections

13. The Future: Gamification
• Goals
• Rules
• Feedback
• Voluntary

14. The Future: Digital Humanities
• Text mining
• GIS data integration
• Students as knowledge creators

15. Questions?
www.laurawimberley.org/dlo

16. References
Anderson, T. (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. Edmonton:
AU Press. Retrieved April 24, 2012, from
http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/01_Anderson_2008-
Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Mackey, T.P. & Jacobson, T.E. (2011). Teaching information literacy online.
New York: Neal-Schuman.
McGonigal, J. (2011). Reality is broken: Why games make us better and
how they can change the world. New York: Penguin.
Wiley, D. A. (2002). The instructional use of learning objects. Bloomington,
Ind: Agency for Instructional Technology. Retrieved April 24, 2012, from
http://reusability.org/read/

17. Background image Creative Commons
2009 by flickr user Gwen Vanhees