1. Reusable Learning Objects: The Delivery Perspective
Sarah McConnell
JORUM+ Project Officer

2. The big question is... Perhaps an easier question to answer is...
Q. How will reusable learning objects impact on institutions and teaching practice?
A. For discussion after this session …
Perhaps an easier question to answer is...
Q. What needs to be in place to enable this to happen?
A. Effective infrastructure, support for re-purposing, and content designed for reuse

3. What is being done by JISC to address these needs?
JISC is actively involved in research into the interoperability and reusability of learning objects:
CETIS –
CETIS represents UK higher and further education institutions on international learning technology standards initiatives (e.g. IMS, IEEE)
X4L Programme -

4. What is X4L?
The Exchange for Learning Programme (X4L) is exploring the re-use and re-purposing of existing content:
Strand A – 22 content projects (from FE and HE)
Strand B – 3 tools and infrastructure projects
(JORUM+, RELOAD and TOIA)
- in compliance with emerging IMS and IEEE learning technology specifications and standards

5. RELOAD – http://www.reload.ac.uk
X4L Tools - RELOAD & TOIA
RELOAD –
Tools for authoring and transferring learning objects and lesson plans
TOIA –
Online assessment tools, based on IMS QTI

6. X4L Tools - JORUM+ The JORUM+ project is:
1) providing infrastructure to the X4L Strand A projects
Hosting in database repository software systems: intraLibrary and Xtensis, until July 2005
2) scoping a national Learning Materials Repository (LMR) until December 2003
In consultation with all stakeholders
Online questionnaire (followed up by telephone interviews and focus groups)

7. The JORUM+ questionnaire
The JORUM+ questionnaire is available to all members of the UK FE and HE community. Access it via
Common concerns and remarks:
IPR and copyright
Recognition of authorship
Ease of use - concerns about skills / staff development
Worries about commodifying education
Use of standards
Quality assurance

8. Representative responses so far
‘I am in favour of sharing rather than re-inventing the wheel’
‘It would be cost effective’
‘Useful if learning objects are able to be modified / contextualised’
‘We may have some real difficulties with customisation’
‘It must take into account regional curricular differences or it will not work’
‘As institutions are increasingly being asked to compete, ”shareability” becomes more difficult’

9. Contacts Project managers: RELOAD TOIA
Oleg Liber -
TOIA
Ian Hesketh –
JORUM+
Moira Massey -