Technological Evaluation and Optimization of E-Learning Systems Components - E-Infrastructures and Technologies for Lifelong Learning - page 156

LOs. For example, some LOs may score high in
terms of reusability, because they include open
source code that facilitates adaptation to learning
scenarios other than the one originally intended.
However, the same LOs might actually score
poorly in terms of interactivity. The set of qual-
ity criteria, therefore, needs to be seen more as
a minimum framework that should be used in a
flexible way.
However, it is also important to appreciate that
some very high-quality LOs may meet the specific
needs of the national curriculum of a particular
country, but may not always have a chance to be
used as effectively (or, maybe, at all) by schools in
other countries. For example, a text-heavy lesson
plan in a minority European language may work
splendidly in a national context, but may simply
be unusable by teachers in other countries.
With this in mind MELT has begun to de-
velop quality criteria that are defined in terms of
the extent to which the learning content has the
potential to 'travel well'; i.e. the extent to which
LOs/assets can be easily used across the national
borders and in different curricula.
An initial assumption in MELT was that content
is more likely to 'travel well' if it is:

explanatory, or have just a few text labels
or icons/buttons for start, stop, etc.

• Have been designed to be language cus-

tomizable and are already offered in more
than one language.

• Address curriculum topics that could be

considered trans-national.

• Are adaptable from a technical (e.g., LOs

are supplied along with an authoring envi-
ronment or tools) or IPR perspective.

2.1.4. 'Quality for Reuse' Quality
Criteria of Learning Objects

A quality assurance strategy was implemented in
the “Quality for Reuse” (Q4R, 2008) scientific
project initiated by Tele-University of Quebec to
improve effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility
of LOs as well as proper storing and retrieval
strategies.
Q4R quality assurance strategies are classified
into four main groups, namely organizational
strategies, and then three strategies inspired by
the life-cycle of a LO, that is from its conception
to its use∕reuse (adaptations) - before, during and
after LO inclusion in the LOR.
Strategies before LO inclusion in the LOR are
based on the following principles: • Modular: the parts of a content item are

quite functional on their own.

• Adaptable: the LO can be modified, for

instance from a configuration file, from
a plain text file, or because it is provided
along with its source code or an authoring
tool.

• Only build or integrate Los that can be cer-

tified for quality.

• Interactive LOs are software and as such

they should satisfy software quality
criteria.

The cross-border reuse of content will be more
likely if LOs:

Strategies during LO inclusion in the LOR
are based on:

• Have a strong visual element and users

can broadly understand what the intended
learning objective or topic is. For example,
LOs may have little or no text; include
animations and simulations that are self-

• The principle of reducing form-filling.

• The use of guiding wizards, smart automat-

ic and semi-automatic computer agents to
assist in assuring technical interoperability.