Learning objects

What are learning objects and how are they used in training?

Learning objects are units of digital content that provide specific pieces of information to students. They are designed to facilitate teaching and learning, and take the form of short pieces or small fragments which include features like text, images, videos, interactive simulations or animations. These elements work together (or separately) to ensure the assimilation and retention of learning content.

In training, learning objects are blocks of information that can be easily reused and combined. They are often integrated into educational materials, online courses or learning management systems (LMS) to enrich the student experience. Trainers can use them to explain complex concepts, provide practical examples, or evaluate student progress. Additionally, their flexibility makes them versatile tools that can be adapted to the specific needs of different audiences.

Types of learning objects and how to design them effectively

There are many different types of learning objects, and below we take a closer look at three of them:

Videos

Whether they function as tutorials, animations or representations, videos are highly valuable virtual learning objects when it comes to engaging students. Users can watch them as many times as they want, pause them, and even fast forward or slow them down.

Presentations

Classic elements of e-learning, which are not only limited to text, but can also include images, videos or audios. They are easy resources to create and are an excellent way to summarize information and make it more attractive.

Interactive elements

Interactive learning objects are one of the best ways to encourage student participation and engagement. Choose from an array of interactive elements to enrich your training content, such as cards, interactive videos, grouping or linking exercises and branching scenarios.

To create learning objects effectively, it is essential to follow a structured development process. This includes first defining learning objectives, then selecting the most relevant content for your goals, and finally choosing the right technology for implementation. In addition, it is important to take into account elements such as accessibility, usability and an attractive design to maintain interest.

The benefits of using learning objects when designing a curriculum

The inclusion of learning objects in curricular design offers numerous benefits. Firstly, since learning objects can be easily used across various educational contexts, they increase the efficiency of the teaching process, allowing educators to focus on personalized teaching rather than having to create content from scratch.

Other benefits of learning objects include that they help learners better retain information, allow them to follow personalized learning paths, and cater to modern, busy students who prefer to consume content in small, easy-to-digest pieces.

Additionally, learning objects encourage active student participation by providing access to interactive and visually engaging resources. They also offer immediate feedback and allow for the monitoring of student progress, which contributes to more effective learning overall.

By creating and including learning objects in your training, you can easily customize your content to adapt to a wide range of audiences and objectives. Don’t know where to start? Try isEazy Author, our authoring tool specially designed to create attractive, accessible and dynamic e-learning courses in just a few minute