Using Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) to Share International Experiences: Faculty Perceptions and Best Practices in a College of Agriculture

Educators across colleges of agriculture continue to strive to improve the educational experience for students. The use of reusable learning objects (RLOs) is one method that is being pursued. For the purpose of this study, an RLO was defined as a short (i.e., 5-15 minutes), media-based instructiona...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:NACTA journal 2013-03, Vol.57 (1), p.47-54
Main Authors: Murphrey, Theresa Pesl, Sandlin, M'Randa R., Lindner, James R., Dooley, Kim E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural colleges
Agricultural education
Agriculture
Curricula
Curriculum planning
Electronic learning
Experiential learning
Good agricultural practices
Higher education
International development
Learning
Learning strategies
Media programs
Methods
Perceptual learning
Study and teaching
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Summary:Educators across colleges of agriculture continue to strive to improve the educational experience for students. The use of reusable learning objects (RLOs) is one method that is being pursued. For the purpose of this study, an RLO was defined as a short (i.e., 5-15 minutes), media-based instructional package that included a learning objective, content, media (pictures, videos, and/or audio) and an assessment. This study was grounded by Kolb's theory of experiential learning in the collection of preflection and reflection responses from participants and the area of instructional design in regard to the development of reusable learning objects. The purpose was to investigate faculty perceptions of RLOs and by doing so, document challenges to creating RLOs and determine best practices for development and use in order to internationalize agricultural curriculum. Qualitative research consisting of face-to-face, semistructured pre- and post-interviews was employed. Respondents reported positive perceptions of RLOs both prior to and after their engagement in the development process. This study revealed recommendations for practice that can encourage the development and use of reusable learning objects within colleges of agriculture.
ISSN:0149-4910