Evaluating 5/99 content for reusability as learning objects
| Published date | 01 March 2005 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720510588533 |
| Pages | 85-96 |
| Date | 01 March 2005 |
| Author | Sarah Currier,Lorna M. Campbell |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Evaluating 5/99 content for
reusability as learning objects
Sarah Currier
Sto
`rCu
`ram Project, Glasgow School of Social Work, University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, UK, and
Lorna M. Campbell
CETIS, Centre for Academic Practice, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
Abstract
Purpose – Proposes to evaluate 5/99 content for reusability as learning objects.
Design/methodology/approach – Presents the criteria developed specifically for this particular set
of content, and the process by which they were developed. Some data are given on how the projects
fared in the evaluation.
Findings – In 2001 a JISC study gathered data about 27 of its 5/99 projects, mapping content
categories and approaches to reusability, metadata and interoperability. A total of 18 were chosen for
evaluation, based on availability of content, and coverage of content categories. Appropriate
reusability evaluation criteria were developed specifically for the study in four areas: aggregation
level; reusability; subject specificity; and vertical reusability. The projects showed high levels of
awareness of, and willingness to plan for, reusability and interoperability. Planning from the start for
developing reusable resources is imperative, if the potential of learning technology for sharing
resources is to be fulfilled.
Originality/value – This paper is useful for those planning to use 5/99 content.
Keywords Learning, Information systems, Educationaldevelopment
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The Distributed National Electronic Resource & Learning Objects (DNER&LO)
study was commissioned by the Joint Information and Systems Committee (JISC) in
late 2001 to evaluate the extent to which educational content developed under their
5/99 Learning & Teaching Programme could be made reusable as learning objects.
In order to do this, DNER&LO first needed appropriate evaluative criteria to apply
to the content. Although much work had been done worldwide on interoperability
for educational technologies, there were no widely agreed evaluative criteria
available. The learning technology field was, and is, swiftly evolving. The meaning
and usage of such terms as “learning object”, “unit of study”, “reusable” and
“interoperable” continue to be the subject of debate. This article presents the criteria
developed specifically for this particular set of content, and the process by which
they were developed. Some data will be given on how the projects fared in the
evaluation, however, it must be emphasised at the start that the content was funded,
planned, and largely created at a time when the development of reusable,
interoperable learning objects was barely a blip on the radar screen. Additionally,
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
The authors would like to thank the CETIS EC SIG for their assistance in developing the
DNER&LO evaluation criteria.
Evaluating 5/99
content
85
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 35 No. 1/2, 2005
pp. 85-96
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720510588533
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