Evaluating 5/99 content for reusability as learning objects

Purpose – Proposes to evaluate 5/99 content for reusability as learning objects.Design/methodology/approach – Presents the criteria developed specifically for this particular set of content, and the process by which they were developed. Some data are given on how the projects fared in the evaluation.Findings – In 2001 a JISC study gathered data about 27 of its 5/99 projects, mapping content categories and approaches to reusability, metadata and interoperability. A total of 18 were chosen for evaluation, based on availability of content, and coverage of content categories. Appropriate reusability evaluation criteria were developed specifically for the study in four areas: aggregation level; reusability; subject specificity; and vertical reusability. The projects showed high levels of awareness of, and willingness to plan for, reusability and interoperability. Planning from the start for developing reusable resources is imperative, if the potential of learning technology for sharing resources is to be fulfi...