Learning objects are digital resources, modular in nature, that are used to support learning. They [Page 294]include, but are not limited to, simulations, electronic calculators, animations, tutorials, text entries, Web sites, bibliographies, audio and video clips, quizzes, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, graphs, maps, charts, and assessments. They vary in size, scope, and level of granularity ranging from a small chunk of instruction to a series of resources combined to provide a more complex learning experience.

There is much debate over what constitutes a learning object. Some researchers differentiate between an information or knowledge object and a learning object. In their view, a knowledge or information object contains only content, with no instructional strategies, whereas a learning object contains instructional content complete with instructional strategies such as a ...