Learning Objects 4: Applications, Implications, & Future Direction
Résumé
This is the fourth and final book of this series on Learning Objects (LO). Whereas the first three books were essentially concerned with current developments in the field, this book presents a wide-ranging series of discussions of potential and probable developments in the field. Part I encompasses Chapters 1 through Chapter 5. The focus is upon LO within the context of e-learning and online learning. We realize that our authors (like us) often use the terms "e-learning" and "online learning" interchangeably. We offer no apologies for their doing so (or for our doing so). The rise of ubiquitous computing renders distinctions between "e-learning" and "online learning" essentially moot or at least of extreme esoteric value. Chapter 1 sets the stage by examining LO and e-learning. Chapters 2 through Chapter 4 progress from a discussion of LO ontology to LO as a tool for accessibility (Chapter 3) and the role of LO in information searching in e-learning (Chapter 4). Chapter 5 concludes Part I by pro-viding a look at LO architecture in a successful online course. Part II of this book includes Chapters 6 through Chapter 13. These chapters emphasize LO applications. Their range and depth provide a reminder of the promise of LO. Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 conclude the book and comprise Part III. Chapter 14 builds upon Part II by extending the discussion on LO applications. Chapter 15 concludes this book and the series by presenting a look ahead at LO applications and future trends regarding them. We realize that the promise of LO is so great that any book on its future prospects will surely exclude some concept or technology that may prove to be of seminal importance. We offer no apologetics driven by space or time limitations. We offer our authors' perspectives and find that they do what they are intended to do: engender new and additional questions about the future of LO. Consequently, we are assured that this book, indeed the whole four-part series has accomplished what we and our authors could be reasonably expected to do. But it is to our authors' credit that they often answer many important questions, raise still even greater questions, and in sum exceed our expectations. We are confident that a careful reading of this book will leave readers drawing he same conclusion. (http://informingscience.org/buy/product_info.php?products_id=46)