A Learning Object Approach for Designing Information Literacy Instructional Materials

Abstract

The use of a Learning Object is a new concept in designing online instructional content. It values the creation of small lego-like instructional components (objects) that can be readily assembled, delivered and reused in multiple instructional and learning contexts. Unlike conventional tutorials, learning objects are designed for building a collection of learning resources that are not bound by a particular context or situation. Information literacy instruction lends itself well to the learning objects approach. With this approach, the tagging of lego-like objects allows matching objects with individual competency levels, hence provides greater flexibility and relevancy for end users. Other advantages of developing material to be reused as learning objects such as ease of update and search, customization, interoperability and increased value of content are discussed in relation to information literacy instruction.