An Object-Oriented Approach to Manage E-Learning Content Using Learning Objects

Abstract

Learning objects (LO) are theoretically based on granular, reusable chunks of information. In this chapter the authors argue that LOs should consist of more than just content, that is, they should include pre-knowledge questions on the basis of the concept of the advanced organizer, of self-evaluation questions (assessment), and finally of appropriate metadata. The used metadata concept must be based on accepted standards, such as learning object metadata (LOM) and the shareable object reference model (SCORM). A best practice example of the realization of these concepts is the Virtual Medical Campus Graz (VMC-Graz), which actually is the realization of an information system to make a new curriculum digitally accessible.