Hi all,I love learning objects!
I have been using learning objects in my lessons for the last 2 years. Learning Objects (LO) are available from the Learning Place in Curriculum Exchange. They offer a wide range of interactive activities and games at all year levels and across all the KLAs. I have used LO as individual computer tasks to explain or consolidate knowledge and on the data projector/smart board with the whole class to explain, demonstrate or consolidate a topic.
There are two main ‘problems’ that I have found when using LO. Firstly, there are so many options that I can spend hours searching for the right one (only to be sidetracked by other great LO). Secondly is the problem that I’m sure many people fall into when they first discover this great technology – over using it. When I first started using them I would sometimes be unable to decide on the best LO to use so I would use several. I have a vivid memory of presenting a lesson on the water cycle to grade 3 students and just losing them because there was too much presenting and not enough teaching and learning. I have now learnt to be more selective and use LO only when they will aid the students comprehension of the topic.
A well selected LO can be a very engaging tool for students as the can see and manipulate abstract concepts (such as a maths LO above, that I used to teach ordinal numbers) or consolidate and demonstrate their understanding of a topic (such as a science LO above, that I used to compare city water cycles and country water cycles). LO provide a safe and controlled environment for students to access and use information, to synthesis their understanding of the concepts.
When students are given control over manipulating the LO they have the opportunity to move from lower levels of hearing and understanding information to the application and analysis of the concepts. This leads to higher order thinking and develops deeper learning experiences (McInerney & McInerney, 2006).
Learning Objects are a fun, engaging, free, safe and easy way for teachers to explain and demonstrate concepts to the class.
The journey continues,
Lynn
Lynn
References
McInerney, D. & McInerney, V. (2006). Educational psychology: Constructing learning. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
McInerney, D. & McInerney, V. (2006). Educational psychology: Constructing learning. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
Learning Objects sourced from the Learning Place.
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteInteractive Learning Objects (I.L.O) are so much fun.
I have had the same problem as you. I used a math’s online game for division which was perfect for the students and I had 2 problems. 1; students were so excited it disrupted the class (as the class had to take turns sharing 4 computers) and 2; students were having so much fun they didn’t want to get off the computer.
I have found focusing on no more than one I.L.O each lesson is the best way to go.
Have you ever used more than one I.L.O effectively?
Kind regards,
From Paul:.)
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteOne time I made very effective use of a learning object by using the same clip twice. I was introducting a concept that had lots of very complex terms. At the beginning of the lesson I quickly played the learning object and explained to the kids that there are lots of big, hard words that they probably will not understand but that by the end of the lesson they would. I taught the lesson and then played the learning object again. Students were surprized that in 30 minutes they went from not understand ‘all the hard words’ to understanding the process.
This technique served to assess students existing knowledge and understanding, feedforward the content of the lesson and to engage students prior knowledge. The second time it was viewed it assessed students developed knowledge and demonstrated to the students how much they had learnt on a complex topic.
It is not something I would use too often, but in this circumstance it worked.
Thanks for the question.
Lynn
Hi Lynn, I also love learning objects but as I am in a school which doesn't have as much computer access as the school I was in last year, I feel I am not utilising them as much. Do you think not having enough computers in the classroom should be limiting my use of the learning objects?
ReplyDeleteCharissa.
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI too think that learning objects are great! I find myself spending far too long searching the curriculum exchange to find the right one (or stop playing the games myself - real confidence boost). I have never had the opportunity to actually implement lessons with ILOs. I tried a few weeks ago but we lost internet connection so I had to result back to the good old OHP. But last week in tutorials for e.learning, I learned how to save the learning objects onto my computer by downloading a Adobe program and vwoila, I can use them now. Shall let you know how I go!
Amy
Hi Charissa,
ReplyDeleteNot having access to enough computers seems to be a common problem in schools. One 40 minute block in the computer room a week is not enough! I know your dilemma. However, I still think LO can be effectively used within the classroom. I have often used them on the class data projector to explain or reinforce a concept. I include the students in the lesson by selecting students to click on the options. I have found this particularly effective when I am teaching maths concepts - using a tens and ones MAB LO to outline the concept and then reinforce it by getting students to repeat the activity I modelled with concrete materials.
Thanks for the comments,
Lynn
Hi Lynn, i also like the concept of learning objects, but after reading all the comments realise the difficulties presented to successfully implement them. Yes, students get excited about them and could interrupt a class. I managed successfully with two groups of two Prep students with full time supervision. In this scenario, when the students couldn't work out a problem collectively, i could step them through an explanation.
ReplyDeletePossibly a good use for them in higher year levels could be for students to access specific LO's to support and consolidate learning at home.