Using Learning Objects: Instructional Wrap

Instructional wrap is a fancy term for how you plan to integrate the learning objects into your lesson. You should consider the follow points when planning how to use a learning object.

  1. Does it work:Make sure the learning object you want to use works on the computers your students will be using. This is critical.
  2. Introduction: Determine how easy the learning object is to use and determine how much time you will need to introduce the learning object. One good idea is to allow the students a little guided play time (5 minutes) so they can figure our how to use the learning object. Unlike adults, most students like to play, rather than listen to you tell them how to use it.
  3. Potential Problems: You may want to note any trick areas the students might have in using the learning object – Some learning objects are very good, but they have a few confusing parts.
  4. Individuals vs. Pairs vs. Class vs. Home Activity: You can use learning objects with individual students, in pairs, as a class or as a home activity/project. Learning objects that directly teach a specific concept and assess a student later may be suited to individual work, whereas learning objects that are more open ended (e.g., tools of solving problems) may be more suited to pairs or an entire class, assuming you have a Smartboard or LCD projects for the latter.
  5. Strategies: There are several ways you can use a learning objects including:
  6. Introducing students to a concept before you give a formal lesson (Intro)
  7. Using a learning object after a formal lesson to provide practice or application of a concept (Follow-Up)
  8. A learning object can be used as the main activity in a lesson without formal instruction (Constructive)
  9. Discussing the learning object as class after it has been used to identify the key concept(s) covered (Discussion)
  10. Time Reminders: Give student time reminder to keep them focused and on task
  11. Guiding Questions/Organizer: For many learning objects, it is a good idea to create a set of guiding questions or an organizer for student to fill in key information. This is critical for success and helps students focus – Otherwise, you may be inviting unregulated play and all the classroom management problems that might arise. The organizer also acts as a good summary sheet.
  12. Consolidation: You should plan at least 5 minutes to consolidate what was learned in your lesson and from the learning object. This may involve students taking a few notes or filling in an organizer.

EC 2007Learning Objects