This document discusses significant properties of e-learning objects (SPeLOs). It aims to complement the InSPECT project and expand understanding of learning objects. The objectives are to assess the InSPECT definition of significant properties, develop a learning object typology, and understand the complexity and characteristics of learning objects. The summary provides examples of different types of learning objects and discusses their properties, including file format, object type, size, purpose, and classification. It also provides an example of analyzing the significant properties of an interactive, multimedia learning object.

1. SPeLOs:
Significant Properties of
E-learning Objects
A report for the JISC Digital Preservation and
Records Management Programme
Kevin Ashley, Richard Davis, Ed Pinsent
University of London Computer Centre

2. SPeLOs
Aims and objectives
Digital objects in the E-learning domain
Developing a typology for Learning Objects
An example Learning Object
Observations and conclusions

3. Aims
Complement InSPECT
Expand the digital object type portfolio
Understand the complexity and
characteristics of Learning Objects
Basis for more detailed work

4. Objectives
SPs x LOs = ? SPs:
Assess InSPECT Expression
definition of SPs
Metrics
SPs + DC = ?
Objective / Subjective
LO classification
Definition
Future research?

5. What is a Learning
Object?
Photo by John McCullough on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grytr/285072637

6. What is a Learning
Object?
quot;Any object can actually be exactly the right object to
explain some concept or idea. Still they are not
“learning objects”. They are only “potential learning
objects”. They become learning objects only when they
are brought in to learning context by an authority
(teacher, publisher...)quot;
Free Libre and Open Source Soft ware in Education
(FLOSSE) Blog

7. What is a Learning
Object?
“ relatively small, reusable digital entity that can be
a
selectively applied – alone or in combination – by
computer soft ware, learning facilitators or learners
themselves, to meet individual needs for learning or
performance support.” Clive Shepard (2000)
“any digital resource that can be reused to support
learning,” David Wiley (2001)

8. What is a Learning
Object?
File format
The usual suspects (PPT, PDF, SWF etc)
Proprietary/domain specific (e.g. Blackboard,
QMark, QTI)
Object type
Assembly of objects, units, files
Package, e.g. SCORM
Context

9. SPs of LOs
Learning Object
-ness
File Format
-ness
Digital Object
-ness

10. Classifying Learning
Objects
By size: Course, Learning Episode, Learning Assembly,
Information Object, Digital Asset (CETIS, 2001)
By content type: multimedia, instructional, learning
objectives, instructional soft ware/tools, persons/
organisations/events (IEEE)
By purpose: instruction objects; collaborative objects;
application objects; assessment objects (SmartForce
Framework)

11. Learning Object Typology
Groups
A. Functional F. Reusability
B. Learning Object G. Delivery
Classification (IEEE
LOM) H. Rights Management
C. Learning Unit
Classification J. Digital object type (DCMI)
D. Contextual K. Look and feel
E. People / roles

12. A Learning Object

13. X-RAY BEAM
MANIPULATION
BEHAVIOUR RENDERING CONTENT STRUCTURE CONTEXT
A5 Interactive A5 Interactive J6 Multimedia
A1 Instructional D Contextual
resource
F6 Applicable to C5 Video /
A5 Interactive E1 Checked by
other LEs Animation
Validator
B1 Activity
G1 Software C9 Sound
E4 Written by
dependent B3 Simulation
F5 Works in Author
Model
G3 Format other
F2 Discoverable
dependent applications B19
Demonstration F12 in JORUM
G6 Delivered by K1 Fonts
ZIP C5 Video / H2 DRM
K2 Colours
Animation
G7 Delivered
K3 Layout
with XML C9 Sound
Schema K5 English
J6 Multimedia K6 Charset
resource

14. X-RAY BEAM
MANIPULATION
BEHAVIOUR RENDERING CONTENT STRUCTURE CONTEXT
A5 Interactive A5 Interactive J6 Multimedia
A1 Instructional D Contextual
resource
F6 Applicable to C5 Video /
A5 Interactive E1 Checked by
other LEs Animation
Validator
B1 Activity
G1 Software C9 Sound
E4 Written by
dependent B3 Simulation
F5 Works in Author
Model
G3 Format other
F2 Discoverable
dependent applications B19
Demonstration F12 in JORUM
G6 Delivered by K1 Fonts
ZIP C5 Video / H2 DRM
K2 Colours
Animation
G7 Delivered
K3 Layout
with XML C9 Sound
Schema K5 English
J6 Multimedia K6 Charset
resource

15. Learning Object
CONTEXT
People/Roles
E4 Written by Author
Object has been
written by a named
individual

16. Learning Object
CONTENT
Learning Unit
C5 Video / Movie
/ Animation

17. Learning Object
STRUCTURE BEHAVIOUR
Digital object Digital object
datatypes datatypes
J6 Interactive J6 Interactive
resource resource
A resource requiring interaction from the user to be
understood, executed or experienced. Examples include
forms on Web pages, applets, multimedia learning
objects, or virtual reality environments

18. Learning Object
STRUCTURE BEHAVIOUR
Digital object Digital object
datatypes datatypes
J6 Interactive J6 Interactive
resource resource
A resource requiring interaction from the user to be
understood, executed or experienced. Examples include
forms on Web pages, applets, multimedia learning
objects, or virtual reality environments

19. Assessment
Learning
Object
RENDERING CONTENT STRUCTURE BEHAVIOUR CONTEXT
Look and feel Learning object Digital object datatype People / roles
K9 Uses B6 Assessment J6 Interactive J6 Interactive E1 Checked
embedded objects item Resource Resource by Validator
An item (e.g. a question/answer pair) that is designed to
measure student learning. A complex object, consisting of a
question together with its associated data such as score,
feedback and either any media files required or links to
those files.

20. Conclusions
Reusability: a strong theme
Strong community drive for repurposing and reuse
Rights management: leave for others (cp. PREMIS)
SPs:
some inherited - structured text, moving image, etc.
others predominantly contextual - agents, objects, VLEs, individuals,
organisations
Assessment objects: rendering, behaviour, regulatory
context