Learning objects are unlocking new efficiencies in corporate training through small pieces of reusable digital content focused on targeted skills. Modular by design, learning objects allow instructors to build customized training content faster and more affordably than traditional one-size-fits-all approaches.
As a leading marketing and creative consultancy specializing in learning design and development, Creatives On Call leverages deep expertise to help clients integrate learning objects within their training system. Our tailored teams utilize learning objects to develop highly customizable and engaging online training experiences.
An Overview of Learning Objects
Learning objects are small pieces of instructional content that can be combined and reused in different contexts. They’re a core building block of e-learning courses and online training programs. From video demonstrations to scenarios and quizzes, learning objects allow instructors to break concepts down into digestible chunks.
Learning objects have some key characteristics that distinguish them as shareable content components:
- They teach one narrowly defined objective, skill or competency.
- They’re small/granular in scope — typically 2 to 15 minutes in length.
- They’re digital and can appear in various formats like video, audio, text, animation, etc.
- They can be reused, customized and assembled into larger courseware.
Common examples of learning objects include:
- Interactive diagrams or infographics
- Short instructional videos
- Practice scenarios and stories
- Quizzes and assessments
- Audio recordings/podcasts
Just like Lego blocks, instructors can snap together learning objects to develop tailored training solutions rapidly. This modular approach enables personalization and saves development time.
At Creatives On Call, our experts use learning objects to develop customized training experiences for businesses. Their versatility and flexibility help us meet each client’s unique training needs and goals. When created correctly, learning objects provide a satisfying and enriching learning experience.
Key Benefits of Learning Objects
Segmented, reusable learning objects transform how organizations develop and deliver online training experiences. By breaking down courses into narrow skill-based components, these small instructional pieces unlock new efficiencies, flexibility and capabilities.
Implementing learning objects provides immense value through reusable and personalized learning experiences, including:
- Cost savings: Assets need to be created only once and can be reused many times, which optimizes training budgets over the long term.
- Faster course development: Learning objects enable rapid assembly of new customized curriculums by remixing existing components.
- Personalization: Competency-based objects facilitate tailored learning paths aligned to individual needs.
- Accessibility: Smaller pieces of content are easier to make accessible and engaging for all.
- Flexibility: Objects focused on narrow skills have versatility across diverse learning contexts.
By taking advantage of these learning object benefits, Creatives On Call helps clients realize substantial efficiency gains in their training programs. Our experts help companies move to modern corporate training that uses small reusable learning pieces. This saves costs while enabling personalized, inclusive learning with lasting value.
Learning Objects Role in LMS Platforms
Learning management systems (LMSs) are the central hubs for discovering, delivering and tracking learning objects within most corporate training programs.
Specifically, LMS platforms provide key infrastructure for managing reusable learning content:
- Organizing and managing assets: An LMS provides a structured database to catalog and tag learning objects based on learning objectives, competencies, skill levels, etc. This metadata aids discovery.
- Delivery and tracking: Learning objects can be dynamically assembled and delivered to learners through the LMS. Completion and engagement are tracked via Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) compliance, which enables unified learning outcomes reporting.
- Reusability and interoperability: When assets are centralized in an LMS, learning objects maintain integrity and remain discoverable across teams over longer periods. Digital materials in the LMS can also integrate with third-party applications.
Together, this learning design enables enterprises to unlock the true potential of reusable learning objects — transforming corporate training into customized, self-directed experiences aligned tightly to single learning objectives.
As learning innovation leaders, Creatives On Call optimizes content to work seamlessly within modern LMS ecosystems. This integration of systems allows for customized learning experiences using data. It also supports employees in directing their own learning across large global companies. Our solutions provide the tools and structure to facilitate this transformation.
For guidance on implementing your LMS, read our guide on LMS Implementation Steps.
Best Practices for Developing Learning Objects
Creating impactful, engaging learning objects requires thoughtful instructional design and an eye for reusability. By following guidelines tailored to content, Creatives On Call builds learning objects optimized for flexibility across contexts.
Some key best practices include:
Ensure Reusability
- Use generic examples around fictional companies or people so the learning activity remains applicable across industries.
- Align to standardized instructional frameworks, which enables integration into various course types.
Make Them Small
- Cover only one narrowly defined learning objective or competency per object.
- Constrain scope to 5 minutes or less to facilitate reuse in personalized playlists.
- Use modular design which allows objects to connect together fluidly.
Accommodate Diverse Preferences
- Support visual and auditory learning modalities.
- Provide rich interactions using scenarios, assessments and multimedia.
Focus On Accessibility
- Enact universal design (UD) principles and compliance standards.
- Add captions, alt descriptions and transcripts for media elements.
- Ensure accessibility for disabled learners of all types.
Adhering to these leading practices requires substantial expertise in instructional design and an eye for what makes bite-sized learning reusable. Creatives On Call combines this strategic perspective with the creative chops to develop effective learning objects. Our teams build content for the future focused on quality, engagement and continuous improvement.
Effective Learning Objects With Creatives On Call
As part of our learning development expertise, Creatives On Call understands what makes enterprise training content engaging, accessible and reusable. We’ve helped clients across industries unlock the advantages of modular learning objects within their training ecosystem through our specialized teams of learning innovators.
By following learning object best practices around bite-sized granularity, UD principles and generic examples, our experts build flexible training components optimized for reconfiguration and personalization. We align objects to competencies, guiding learners through adaptive recommendations to only the skills needed.
Our sharp focus on the learning experience drives learner satisfaction and development success through diverse modalities and interactions based on cognitive science. All are delivered and tracked through integrated learning management systems purpose-built for enterprise scale.
Let Creatives On Call customize a learning object solution tailored to your organization’s specific training challenges and goals. Our learning services span instructional design, media production, content development and platform implementation — uniquely positioned to help you transition training to learning content for the future. Contact us today to explore how reusable learning objects can transform your corporate learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of learning objects?
Common learning object examples include short instructional videos, scenarios, simulations, assessments, infographics, podcasts and other modular formats that teach narrowly defined goals.
How can learning objects be reused?
Learning objects that discuss general skills like leadership or collaboration can be integrated across various courses. Compliance and technical skills training may also leverage common learning objects.
How do you create an effective learning object?
Some best practices are ensuring bite-sized granularity focused on one objective, making examples generic for flexibility, and designing for accessibility across learning preferences. All of these actions optimize reuse.
