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e-Learning kit: Learning objects

Strategies and technologies for transitioning from face-to-face teaching to online environments (#eLkit).

Learning objects

Wiley defines learning objects as "any digital resource that can be reused to support learning" (2000, p7). With that in mind, you will find tools for creating videos, podcasts, graphics, presentations, timelines, and e-books.

Learning object repositories/databases

  • PRIMO (Peer-Reviewed Instructional Materials Online Database)
  • LIONTV: Library Information Literacy Online Network from Animated Tutorial Sharing Project (ANTS)
  • S.O.S. for Information Literacy
  • Merlot (California State University System)
  • OER Commons
  • ASU for You: Publicly accessible digital Repository learning materials
  • CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments)

Videos

Various types of videos can be created: animated videos, interviews, screencasts, recordings of slide decks, recordings of live sessions, or live demonstrations, for example of students being guided through the research process. Consider universal design during video development, such as captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions.

More tools and tips:

Podcasts

Here are some tools to produce scheduled audio podcasts. Video podcasts (vodcasts) can also be made with the video production tools above. The iTunes store has largest selection of podcasts but Google also now supports podcasts in the Google Play store for Android. There is also Juice free software for listening to podcasts.

Graphics

Presentations

Try these alternatives to PowerPoint and Keynote:

Timelines

I have not explored timeline creations as student activities but if you have, kindly share your thoughts. These tools are often recommended (Storify is no longer available):

e-Books

There are many e-book convertors and extensions for word processing programs but here are a few options:

  • OneNote: Create a digital notebook that can be shared with students. It can be integrated with an LMS (supported at McGill, accessible through OneDrive as part of Office 365). 
  • Scalar: E-book authoring and publishing platform. Add and annotate media from multiple sources.
  • CAST UDL Studio: Add text, audio, video, images, and animation to your books. Start from scratch or use a template. Also from CAST: CAST UDL Book Builder (preK-12).
  • Wikibooks: For open-content textbooks.
  • Book Creator One
  • Sigil: A multi-platform EPUB ebook editor (think Word or LibreOffice but specific for EPUB ebooks).
  • Calibre: Converts between formats including PDF, EPUB and MOBI (Kindle).

Bottom of the page bonus: Geniverse - get pumped learning about genetics (and dragons) before moving on to the gaming technologies.

Poll on the page

How much time are you willing to dedicate to making a 2 minute instructional video?
A few hours: 37 votes (59.68%)
A few days: 16 votes (25.81%)
A few weeks: 8 votes (12.9%)
A few months: 1 votes (1.61%)
Total Votes: 62

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