The Instructional Use of Learning Objects

David Wiley's new book The Instructional Use of Learning Objects presents the cutting edge of modern instructional design theory. Learning objects may “provide the foundation for an adaptive, generative, scalable learning architecture . . . [wherein both] teaching and learning as we know them are certain to be revolutionized.”

Order online now from AIT.

This new book, published jointly by The Agency for Instructional Technology and AECT, is available now for immediate shipping. Download the order form (PDF file) and mail today to receive this exciting new text on the state of the art in instructional design.

Dr. Wiley invites you to preview the book online.

What are learning objects?

As used in this invaluable book, “learning objects” describes “any digital resource that can be reused to support learning.”

How are learning objects already being put to use?

Scholars like David Merrill, Michael J. Hannafin, David Wiley, Brenda Bannan-Ritland, and Andrew S. Gibbons present a range of ideas that include constructivist thought, cognitive theory, and a taxonomy of learning objects. Mimi Recker (and others) discuss “collaborative filtering” -- providing context-sensitive discovery and recommendation of appropriate learning objects to the right person at the right time.

What are others saying about this new book?

"This text on learning objects is an excellent resource. The basic definitions are clear and easy to understand and I hope the use of object-oriented design principles will lead to practical changes in the way we conduct instructional design in the future. In my view, this text is the first step in that direction. The chapters address many of the most-important facets of implementing object-oriented design within the instructional design realm and there are many excellent illustrative examples. . . I believe that everyone who is interested in progressive practices of instructional design should read this text and allow themselves to dream of new ways of creating based on these flexible tools."

- Dr. Ali Carr-Chellman, Penn State University

"David Wiley has brought together an exceptional group of authors in a book that is the most significant to date exploring the important instructional technology of learning objects. This book takes a new, expanded look at learning objects and demonstrates how they can be used beyond directive instructional contexts to create dynamic constructivist learning environments for both educational and business settings."

- Dr. Laurie Miller Nelson, Indiana University