- Learning objects, "digital resources that can be used to support learning"
(Wiley, 2000), are a hot item in both the academic and business world. During the past year
they have been prominent in conference presentation topics. This week and last, they have
been the center of attention in numerous workshops at the MERLOT conference in Atlanta,
Georgia. MERLOT is an international cooperative for high quality, peer-reviewed resources
to improve teaching and learning (see February, 2002 DESIEN issue article on MERLOT at:
http://www.uwex.edu/disted/desien/2002/0202/index.html Presentations at the conference
included learning object demonstrations in areas ranging from the Sciences, through Teacher
Education, Psychology, and World Languages. This month's DESIEN issue begins with a
FOCUS article on one of the MERLOT presentations that takes you through the process
of the development of video-based American Sign Language learning objects for use and
sharing via four different delivery formats. The month's issue ends with an ENDNOTE that
suggests an innovative use of learning objects for the consumer market.

Learning objects are here to stay and will take on many forms and styles as they continue
to evolve. As they do, MERLOT plans to extend its network, alliances, and interest in
providing criteria and reviews to ensure the level of quality that is essential in any
teaching/learning setting.

(Wiley, D. A. Learning Object Design and Sequencing Theory. June 2000. Retrieved
from the World Wide Web, September 29, 2001:
http://reuseability.org/read/chapters/wiley.doc)