Creating and Using Digital
Learning Objects for Library
Instruction
Marc Bess
Instruction Librarian
University of North Carolina at
Charlotte
Where are we going?
1. Digital Learning Objects: Why and What
2. Using Adobe Captivate to Design Online
Learning
3. Online Learning Module Design and Best
Practices
4. Questions/Comments
One shot instruction has
limitations.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Canadian2006.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Sese Ingolstadt.
Online instruction offers
possibilities.
Why try online library
instruction?
• Extend instruction beyond one-shot
sessions
• Focus on higher level concepts
• Students already use online learning
spaces
• Engage students outside the classroom
• Increase library presence in course design
Digital learning objects can
help.
• Digital learning resource
• Often reusable
• Interactive or non-interactive
• Modular or fixed
• Clear learning objectives
• Often include assessment component
What are digital learning
objects?
Video/audio
lectures
Video
tutorials
Online
games
Online
learning
modules
What are digital learning
objects?
• Audiovisuals and text
• Clearly stated objectives
• Interactive elements
• Learning divided into units (“chunked”)
• Can be embedded in LMS, SCORM
compliant
• Used to teach higher level concepts
What are online learning
modules?
Part of a
series of
three
learning
modules
Used in
freshman
seminar
courses
Supports
inquiry
learning
objective
Created in
Adobe
Captivate
Inquiry is Exploring Module
• E-learning design software
• Easy to combine audio and
visuals
• Variety of interactive elements
• Quizzing functions
• Accessibility features
• Number of publishing formats
• Compatible with most LMS
Adobe Captivate project view
Consider best practices.
Design Process
The 5 E’s of Usability
Photo used under Creative Commons from aussiegall.
Question
s
Comment
s

TNT Webinar: Creating and Using Digital Learning Objects for Library Instruction