Learning objects are small, self-contained, reusable units of learning that can enhance student engagement. They come in reusable (RLO) and mobile (MLO) formats, and can be used across different subject areas and on mobile devices. Many existing learning objects are available from the 74 UK Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), including the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Reusable Learning Objects led by London Metropolitan University. Examples of learning objects include modules on muscle mechanics and glomerular filtration. Developing new learning objects involves introducing the idea to academics, establishing contacts, discussing specifications, and addressing issues before centralizing and advertising the completed resources.

1. Learning Object
What are they? What’s in it for me?
Sports and Health Sciences Small (2-15 Many already exist
minutes) Units of Supports learning
learning They’re adaptable
Use of RLO’s and MLO’s to Self-contained Embedded easily
enhance student engagement Reusable and Picked up by search
adaptable engines
Shared resource
Amanda Wilson-Kennard 1 Amanda Wilson-Kennard 2
Types of Learning Objects Where can get them from?
Reusable (RLO) & Mobile (MLO) JISC
(http://www.hefce.ac.uk/Learning/tinits/cetl/f
Can be used in a variety of subject inal/)
areas 74 Centres for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning (CETL)
Used with mobiles and/or ipods Established in 2005 using HEFCE funding
Put’s the student in control of their own Centre for Excellence in Teaching and
learning Learning in Reusable Learning Objects
Lead institution: London Metropolitan University
Available whenever, wherever needed Partner Institutions: University of Cambridge and
the University of Nottingham
Amanda Wilson-Kennard 3 www.rlo-cetl.ac.ukWilson-Kennard
Amanda 4
RLO Examples (1) RLO Examples (2)
Muscle Mechanics: Load Arm Glomerula Filtration
© 2006 School of Nursing and Academic
Division of Midwifery, University of
Nottingham; De Montfort University
Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Wilson-Kennard
Amanda in Reusable Learning Objects www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk
5 Amanda Wilson-Kennard 6
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2. What resource? Developing the RLO
Create an RLO for Sports therapy Introduce the idea to academics with a
Injury and treatment of showcase of examples
Embed it in WebCT and/or mobiles and Establish contacts
Ipods Discuss the specification
Create and embed quizzes for use in Highlight and resolve issues that
concern academics
the same mediums
Tasks and time
Centralise completed resource and
advertise
Amanda Wilson-Kennard 7 Amanda Wilson-Kennard 8
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