Learning Objects ITEC -2007 Lab C135 1:30 to 4:15 Dr. Robin Kay University of Ontario Institute of Technology Oshawa, Ontario

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Opened Sept 2003 1 hour east of Toronto Focus on math & science Faculty of Education 70 IS students (2003) 90 IS students (2004-5) 215 PJ/IS students (2006) 270 PJ/IS students (2007) 4,300 students in total Ubiquitous computing

In this workshop you will: Find out what a learning object is Evaluate learning objects Search for learning objects Design a learning object lesson plan

faculty.uoit.ca/kay/itec2007lo Workshop Website faculty.uoit.ca/kay/itec2007lo

Where did you come from today? Durham area York area KPR area Toronto area Waterloo area Ottawa area London area Other

What subject do you teach? Math Science English Geography History Arts Other

What is your comfort level with computers ? Not at all comfortable Somewhat Comfortable Comfortable Very Comfortable

How often do you use technology in your classroom ? Daily Weekly 1-2 times a month Monthly 1-2 times per term Once a year Never

What influences your use of technology?

Barriers to using technology Access Ability Attitudes Training Time to learn software time to prepare lesson

What is a Learning Object? Small web based program Typically free Interactive Easy to learn and use Graphics & Animation to support learning Specific content area Motivating

LO Examples The Structure of Metal Algebra Balance Scales 1 The Structure of Metal Algebra Balance Scales Spy Guy – Volume Alpha, Beta, Gamma of Radiation

Best Learning Object? The Structure of Medal Algebra Balances Scales Spy Guy (Volume & Displacement) Alpha, Beta, & Gamma of Radiation

Good Learning Objects Does it load quickly? Does it look good? 2 Does it load quickly? Does it look good? Is it easy to use? Does the multimedia actually help learning? Is there good interactivity? Is the feedback clear and helpful?

Finding Learning Objects 3 Bottom Line – It can be frustrating, time consuming, particularly if you are looking for a specific concept Start with LORDEC at: education.uoit.ca/lordec and go to collections Now the fun begins – Find a partner

LORDEC Learning Object Databases Math Interactivate NCTM Illuminations National Library of Virtual Manipulatives The Learning Federation PRISM - GSP Top Sites Ron Blond Math Learn Alberta

LORDEC Learning Object Databases Science The Learning Federation ILC Ontario LOs Chemistry Experiments WISC Online BBC

Find a few good LOs Find 1-3 good learning objects 4 Find 1-3 good learning objects Be prepared to share why they are good

Present an LO or two

Instructional Wrap Does the LO work at school? 5 Does the LO work at school? Introduction for play and problems Individual vs. Pairs vs. Class vs. Home Activity Strategies Introduction to a concept Follow-up after a lesson Constructive learning Discussion after/while using LO Time Reminders Guiding Handout is a must Consolidation is a must

Create Lesson Plan with an LO 6 In pairs, create a lesson plan for a learning object you have found I would like groups to share what they came up with

Present Lesson Plan with LO

Summary Good Learning Objects are: easy to use Interactive (more than point & click) Challenging to find Wrapped in a good lesson plan

Contact Information Robin Kay Assistant Professor UOIT- Faculty of Education 905-721-3111 ext. 2679 robin.kay@uoit.ca