Learning Objects for Instruction: Design and Evaluation

Learning Objects for Instruction shows how practical models of learning objects solutions are being applied in education, organizations, industry, and the military. It includes diverse strategies used across these groups to apply learning objects -- from the use of firmly-grounded theoretical contexts to practical tool-based solutions. The reader will find a thorough history, solid models and real-world practices for using learning objects for instruction in a variety of settings. Greater numbers of organizations are expected to embrace the use of objects for instruction as issues of standardization continue to be worked out.

Pamela T. Northrup, Ph.D., Director of the Academic Technology Center, is responsible for all aspects of distance learning at the University of West Florida including course development, faculty training, student support, marketing online programs externally, and implementation issues through the Online Campus. Dr. Northrup holds a Ph.D. in Educational Research/Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University and has spent her career conducting research on emerging technologies for instructional systems development. She has led many development efforts for innovative instruction including the development of children s software; large system-wide multimedia training systems; a teacher-based tool, STEPS that was used for K-12 lesson planning; a commercialized Science education tool, QuickScienceTM (patent pending); eLON TM a learning objects development tool designed for higher education course developers; several online professional development courses for classroom teachers in collaboration with local school districts; and recently has developed a model for mobile learning that has been implemented with the U. S. Coast Guard. She currently is working with the U.S. Navy to further the mobile learning delivery efforts in locations around the world.