About GLOs

What are learning objects?
What are Generative Learning Objects (GLOs)?
The GLO Maker authoring tool

What are learning objects?

There are many definitions of learning objects. However, in our approach, learning objects are focused on one clear learning goal or objective. They are designed to be a) pedagogically effective, and b) reusable. Our learning objects normally incorporate the use of interactive multimedia to create a rich, effective learning experience. Examples of these rich multimedia learning objects may be found on the Website for the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Reusable Learning Objects. [http://www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk]

What are Generative Learning Objects (GLOs)?

The traditional approach to the reuse of learning objects has been to separate content from context in order to make the content reusable. However, it is not content but the quality of the learning design that is most important for effective learning. The generative learning object (GLO) approach thus inverts the traditional approach. It extracts successful pedagogical designs and makes these the basis for reuse. These designs are built into an authoring tool: GLO Maker. A teacher can then add content to produce learning objects based on successful designs to meet their specific needs and preferences.

The GLO Maker authoring tool

The purpose of the GLO Maker authoring tool is to empower teachers, and other users, to develop highly adaptable multimedia learning objects. The authoring process is design driven. The tool has two major parts: a Planner where the basic ‘storyline’ of the learning design is constructed, and a Designer where the screens are created based on flexible templates. You can use the built-in design patterns to structure your learning object, or you can use ‘freestyle’ mode to create your own design. All the designs are ‘executable’ – they enable you to directly create multimedia learning objects that will run on the Web or in a Managed Learning Environment, such as Moodle or Blackboard.

We want people to be able to share and exchange learning objects. In this way the quality of learning can be improved on a widespread basis. All the learning objects created are thus highly adaptable. The same authoring tool – GLO Maker – can be used to adapt any learning object to suit local needs and preferences. So if you find a GLO that nearly, but does not quite suit your needs, then you can adapt the learning object as required. Our experience in the CETL for Reusable Learning Objects is that this adaptability is an important feature for the widespread adoption of learning objects. It also means that if your syllabus changes over the years it is easy to adapt and update your learning objects.

The Planner screen and the finished ‘Access Views’ slide

There is more guidance about how GLO Maker works and how to use it and create GLOs in the tutorials and the User Guide, which are available from the ‘Guides’ section of the website.