Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs)

Organizations with a significant amount of customized learning needs should

	reusable learning object (noun) A naturally associated bit of information that can either stand on its own or be combined with other learning objects to form a course. Also known as an RLO.

carefully consider a course design model that includes reusable learning objects. The increase in customization, flexible design, and maintenance efficiency makes the effort to implement this cutting-edge approach to online learning worthwhile.

If you have content that is applicable to more than one course, RLOs can simplify course development and streamline course maintenance. As discrete "pieces" of a course, RLOs may represent a chapter or lesson, a section within a chapter or lesson, a quiz, a question, a downloadable file or other resource, or even a single image on a particular page of the course. Each Learning Object may consist of other, "smaller" Learning Objects, for example a "chapter" object may have "section" objects, or a "quiz" object may contain a list of "question" objects. There is no limitation on the "types" or number of Learning Objects that may be created. In the same way as an automobile is assembled by building it from a collection of smaller discrete parts (each of which may be a subassembly itself made up of individual parts), each individual course may be assembled using a collection of these Learning Objects. Reusable simply refers to the ability to use the same object in more than one course, in the same way as a particular design of engine, or seats, or muffler may be used in more than one type of automobile.

For more information on Reusable Learning Objects, visit our sample course via our "Conglomo, Inc" demo site. The course has different versions that are dynamically assembled according to the user profile you select at registration. A "new hire" will see an abbreviated version of the course. A "manager" will see the full course. A "salesperson" will fill out a questionnaire, and will receive a custom course assembly based on the answers given. You can change your registration at any time to view the different versions.