Learning Objects in Multimedia Materials: The COMET Program

This poster will highlight the evolution of learning objects in multimedia materials created by of The COMET® Program. Learning objects have been defined in a variety of ways. In its simplest terms, a learning object is an instructional component that can be used in a variety of contexts. Certainly, this definition can be elaborated, but this is its most basic form. Over the last 10 years, The COMET Program has produced hundreds of hours of multimedia education and training materials for operational forecasters, university students, and international users. As the software for creating these materials has matured, the ability to modularize pieces of content and reuse it in other contexts has become easier. This has coincided with the elaboration of the learning object concept. Examples of several types of learning objects in COMET modules will be shown, starting with reusing weather data in more than one module through developing conceptual materials that supports instruction in multiple modules. Implications for learning object development in geoscience education will also be discussed.