Learning Objects as enablers in Distance Education

The evolution of distance education and the spread of technological resources bring about the challenge of structuring appropriate learning materials to support educational activities in these courses. In this context the proposal of instructional materials developed as "Learning Objects" (LOs) arises. In the research presented here a LO, in addition to its position of digital material, needs to work as an enhancer element of the teaching and learning process; for this to occur, it must explain its pedagogical objectives and be structured in such a self-contained way (with regard to the addressed content), allowing it to be reused in other activities or courses, beyond its original design. Focusing on explicit teaching objectives, this paper presents the analysis of a set of 65 learning objects produced in the Support Center for Distance Education (Núcleo de Apoio à Educação a Distância - NAPEAD) of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). It discusses the research findings and the point of view of some of the different actors involved in the process of production and use of these LOs.

learning objects; pedagogical objectives; distance education.