Track: Engineering Education

Abstract

Learning Objects are applied in an educational setting to enhance the delivery of course content through multimedia approaches to pedagogy. In an Open distance learning (ODL) setting and an engineering environment the quality of the LO applied can make a difference between a high level of student comprehension, therefore successful completion of the qualification and a high attrition rate in the specific field of study. This research seeks to address the question whether the criteria employed to assess LO is adequate and appropriate for engineering teaching and learning (T&L). A technology score card is established for various LO technologies and an assessment is performed using the LORI instrument criteria. The results of the assessment are analysed with the ECSA module outcome criteria to measure whether the criteria applied is appropriate and adequate to measure the acceptable level of LO quality for engineering T&L. An experimental approach method is employed in the research and a technology scorecard is established. The results of the study will indicate whether the LORI criteria is adequate and appropriate for engineering and if not a gap will be identified and stipulated. Recommendation for closing the gap will be tabled and a new LO quality assessment will be established.

Key words: LORI, LO, Engineering, Technology scorecard, ODL