Documents Contributed by ECAR and Learning Objects

This research bulletin reports on the state of learning objects in higher education, focusing on updates to the authors' October 1, 2002, ECAR research bulletin, "Learning Objects in Higher Education." This bulletin describes how the field has advanced, the new partnerships that have formed, and the challenges that remain. Conclusions are based on the results of surveys gauging acceptance of learning objects in corporate and academic sectors, as well as a review of the literature and work in the field.

The number and size of online instructional collections is rapidly expanding. This research bulletin examines the world of online repositories and referatories and explores their impact on faculty, students, IT support, and institutional policies and procedures. It defines the specific terminology surrounding learning objects; presents examples of repository and referatory sites; demonstrates what these sites offer; discusses the potential impacts these resources have for faculty and students; and considers the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of these resources for institutions and IT staff.

Course management systems have reached an important juncture in their evolutionary lifecycle. With e-learning becoming integral to the curriculum in many colleges and universities, the scope and functionality underlying course management systems is maturing. This research bulletin describes how the CMS landscape is likely to evolve and presents key issues for institutions to consider in determining their e-learning strategies.

Learning objects are digital resources that can be reused for learning. The benefits of creating and using digital repositories of high-quality learning objects are significant. This Research Bulletin highlights the issues associated with the use of learning objects, covering key areas such as the search for operational definitions, the impact on the marketplace, and implications for policies and funding. It also details the status of learning objects in higher education based on a survey of higher education institutions.