Learning objects - Post 2
As I continue reading about learning objects I am surprised how similar they are to a piece of artwork. Let me explain. Internal and external context of a learning object can add or take away quite a bit from it. The meaning and relevance of the object basically differs widely depending on many factors. When a painter creates a beautiful landscape painting of mountains like the Tetons, this person may or may not add little hints into the piece through colors, brush strokes, shapes, shadows, etc. of how they are feeling and thinking (internal context, remembering the degree of suggestion added to the painting). Some of this is conscious and some of it is not. So this painting now has relevance and a lot of meaning to the artist.
In comes someone who has never seen a mountain range so large and magnificent. They are awe struck by the painting. And in some ways cannot imagine such a place (external context). In come someone who has actually visited this mountain range. Their perception of the painting is different. Since they have been there the painting recalls memories of sounds and smells (external context). It could create a longing for this person to return to the place. Although the painter may have painted the mountain range almost photo realistic, each person viewing it will read the internal context of the paining differently because of the external context they bring to it.
If learning and education are like art, we can conclude that within the learning field, you get out of it what you bring to it and how you view it.
Now on to 'things to consider'. What should we call a learning object other than a learning object? How about Instructional Doodad, or Instructional Gizmo, or the more appropriate Instructional Aid. Why should we use these in the first place? Essentially these are just tools to present for improved instruction and learning, right? I believe a learning object, which I think I'll call an instructional tool for the fun of it right now, should be used to enhance teaching. Enhance here meaning that by using this tool in a lesson the teacher can now reach more students and have them understand the lesson. Since we all learning differently (one reason for so many learning theories I think), using multiple types of tools to teach makes for better instruction. Now, we all need to remember that you don't want so many bells and whistles that the lesson goes by the way.
So cost...this is something to always keep in mind. Not really sure what to say on this issue. I think I'd like to have more information about the debate in this arena.
In comes someone who has never seen a mountain range so large and magnificent. They are awe struck by the painting. And in some ways cannot imagine such a place (external context). In come someone who has actually visited this mountain range. Their perception of the painting is different. Since they have been there the painting recalls memories of sounds and smells (external context). It could create a longing for this person to return to the place. Although the painter may have painted the mountain range almost photo realistic, each person viewing it will read the internal context of the paining differently because of the external context they bring to it.
If learning and education are like art, we can conclude that within the learning field, you get out of it what you bring to it and how you view it.
Now on to 'things to consider'. What should we call a learning object other than a learning object? How about Instructional Doodad, or Instructional Gizmo, or the more appropriate Instructional Aid. Why should we use these in the first place? Essentially these are just tools to present for improved instruction and learning, right? I believe a learning object, which I think I'll call an instructional tool for the fun of it right now, should be used to enhance teaching. Enhance here meaning that by using this tool in a lesson the teacher can now reach more students and have them understand the lesson. Since we all learning differently (one reason for so many learning theories I think), using multiple types of tools to teach makes for better instruction. Now, we all need to remember that you don't want so many bells and whistles that the lesson goes by the way.
So cost...this is something to always keep in mind. Not really sure what to say on this issue. I think I'd like to have more information about the debate in this arena.
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