Learning Objects

Learning Objects, where have you been all my life?  That was my first thought when I read this week’s lecture notes.  Learning Objects appeal to me because they can be used in many different lessons which could potentially save time.  High-quality Learning Objects could be a valuable resource in any profession.

I have never used Learning Objects, but I believe that they are desperately needed in the army band field.  We have bands in Japan, Hawaii, Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, and all over the United States.   Learning objects can help alleviate the need for some onsite training and allow members to spend more time at their home station and will save the government money.

We have something called Army Bands Intranet which is available only to members.  On this site is a list of all the army bands and their members and there are forums where topics and issues can be discussed.  There is even a resource section where certain forms, documents, and training aids can be shared by all. 

I have often wondered why the resource section isn’t more organized and why there aren’t more resources on the site.  There is also no way to do a search on a particular resource topic.   All of the documents and training aids seem to be posted randomly.

This is where the Learning Objects become beneficial.  The Army School of Music, Directorate of Training and Doctrine (DOTD) in Virginia Beach can initiate the creation of learning objects.   They should have quality control over the content and organization of such objects, but all band members should be allowed to contribute.   Based on the Koppi article, here are some objects that can be added:

1-Raw asset, e.g. an image

Example: unit patches (pictured above) or any image that can be used in any presentation

2-Learning asset, e.g. annotated image

Example: image with the instructions on how to properly set up a dress uniform

3-Task or exercise, e.g. research activity

Example:  Before the students attend the resident course, they could look online for research projects to present to the class.  All of the initial research can be done at the home station.  All the student needs to do upon arrival is to present their topic.

4-Learning design with content (containing some or all of classes)

Example:  All of the drum major or conducting movements.  One video can be used for each skill.  These videos can be used by students attending courses or members in bands who need to learn the skills.

5-Generic learning design-e.g., a generic problem-based learning design.

Example:  A Problem-Based assignment where the problem is stated and depending on what course the student is attending, (warrant officer, E-6,E-7) is how the problem would be solved.  How would you solve this problem if you were the soldier’s Commander?  How would you solve this problem if you were the soldier’s Platoon Sergeant?  How would you solve this problem if you were this soldier’s Squad Leader?

There are four problems that could arise with Learning Objects.  They are Organization, Quality Control, Context, and Copyright.   First, these learning objects would have to be organized and maintained by someone.  The layout and navigation should be user-friendly and objects should be easy to find through a quick search.  Quality control is an issue as the Learning Objects should come from a credible source and support the mission of the organization. 

The biggest drawback to Learning Objects is to create objects that can be used in a variety of contexts.  If I wanted to create a drum major training video, I wouldn’t shoot the whole video.  I would shoot each movement separately in short segments so the videos can be used in different situations.  For example, the videos can be used to train novice marchers, to train people to be a drum major, or to train someone how to conduct a ceremony.   

Copyright concerns need to be addressed anytime material is posted or distributed.  This is where the Army Band DOTD can help.  Since DOTD is maintaining the learning objects, they can also have some oversight on copyright issues. 

Almost any type of media can be used for Learning Objects.  Audio, Video, Power Point-the possibilities are endless. Music-specific learning objects are also useful.  A virtual piano can be used in any ear training or music theory lesson. 

**all patches are from abi.army.mil