Course Structure. E-Learning Course Development in an Open Environment: Project Lifecycle 6

Operationalizing a Shareable Content Object-based (SCO) instructional design:

Based upon the the instructional model discussed in previous posts, I recommend designing a course to the following parameters (see Figure 1):

• Section: a sequence of 5±2 Lessons related by core Learning Objectives
• Lesson: a sequence of 5±2 Learning Objects
• (Reusable) Learning Object (LO): a learning objective comprising a series of Learning Points; unit of assessment that measures the objective.
• Learning Point/Reusable Information Object: a unit of instruction that teaches a key element of a learning object.
• Knowledge Object (KO): a discrete piece of instruction or information represented textually, graphically, aurally, visually, by using animation. Combines with other KOs to create a Learning Point.

Figure 1. Course Structure
[click to enlarge]

Within the course, lessons are aggregated to the following order of granularity in the lesson structure (see Figure 2):

• Each Lesson has 5±2 Learning Objects
• Each LO has 5±2 Learning Points (aka RIOs)
• Each LP contains a number of relevant Knowledge Objects
• KOs/LPs are developed using appropriate media types

Figure 2. Lesson Structure
[click to enlarge]

Tomorrow: Modifying content created for different delivery channels for inclusion in an open e-learning environment

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