Experiences with reusable E-learning objects: From theory to practice

The idea of creating E-learning courses by combining reusable E-learning objects (ELOs), stored in a database, is gathering momentum. There is, however, no one definition of what constitutes an ELO or of what size such an object should be to maximise its reusability capability. The first part of this article explores these issues. The second part discusses the practical application of creating and reusing ELOs at the Centre for Economic Development and Applied Research (CEDAR) at Royal Roads University (RRU), Canada. First, some background on RRU and CEDAR is given. This is followed by an explanation of how reusable ELOs are defined, stored, and tagged in an online learner and content management tool. CEDAR's approach to ELOs and to sound instructional design is then discussed. Several examples are provided of how CEDAR implements reusable ELOs. Finally, the reader is given the opportunity to experiment with an online, template-based ELO.