A Reusable Learning Object (RLO) is an element of or all of an instructional program that is delivered using technology. RLO's can be lesson plans, case studies, quizzes, simulations, or interactions. These objects are stored in a database and briefly described using MetaData. MetaData is information about the learning object. MetaData can be the name of the author, the instructional approach used, or the learning objective it works to fulfill.

RLO's allow designers to create content once, store the content in a database using MetaData and deliver the content in many different structures. RLO's can provide the underlying structure for Adaptive Learning Systems. 



Designers can create and store content in a database and deliver it in many different ways.

An important element of RLO's is that they separate content from structure. To completely realize the potential of RLO's they must be created in an open source code, like XML.

The technology that enables the full potential of RLO's is eXtensible Markup Language (XML). XML is a technology that allows the separation of content from structure. The power of XML is currently being used to send information over the Internet between proprietary systems, primarily in the Business-to-Business Applications market.

XML is a cross between Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). XML allows developers to create their own tags using a preset number of characters. HTML has a predefined number of tags; this makes it a very "brittle" language. SGML has no predefined set of characters, this makes it very complex and difficult to use. 

Use XSS to deliver content to CD-ROM and the World Wide Web!

XML works with different technologies using an eXtensible Style Sheet (XSS). For every technology that the content will be delivered through, an XSS is created. This model enables content development to occur once and delivered many different ways. A RLO model using XML allows designers to focus on the smallest element of instruction, Learning Objectives.



These Learning Objects can be searched using MetaData, sequenced using XML, and delivered by a simple XSS. The capabilities and purposes are endless. The term Adaptive Learning Systems will become a household name.

Information Technology continues to grow faster and more complex than human capabilities, creating a performance gap. To bridge this performance gap Adaptive Learning Systems will deliver customized content on the fly for individual learning styles. This content reaches the learner automatically based on their performance.

How do you learn?
image copyright www.whatisthematrix.com

Click to learn about the matrix. In an Adaptive Learning System the system would recognize if you learn best by stories or best by games. This example lets you decide.

Currently Electronic Performance Support Systems provide learners with "Just-in-Time" support. In the future Adaptive Learning Systems will deliver "Just-What-I-Need-Knowledge".

For more information on Reusable Learning Objects check out the following sites:

"A Primer on Learning Objects" by Warren Longmire, ASTD

"Learning Object Pioneers" by Tom Baron, ASTD

"Knowledge Objects" by David Merrill, PhD. 

Brad Bickers