Digital Audio Learning Objects

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The Digital Audio Learning Object concept was devised at Sheffield Hallam University [1] in the UK as a simple design methodology for non-technical staff. The concept embodies reusable learning object theory alongside theory pertaining to the effective and creative use of digital audio to enhance e-Learning.

A definition was created by Andrew Middleton to encapsulate the main properties of this approach: "A digital audio file that can be used, and reused, in various learning situations and that supports a distinct learning objective using an appropriate and engaging method."

Digital Audio Learning Objects (DALOs) are intended as short 'media interventions' that lead to other learning activity. They are not intended to convey substantial learning content or transfer information.

Tools to aid the design and to encourage creative thinking (especially where media design is not central to practice) have been devised.

The brevity of their design suggests an effective use a stimulus to prime a discussion or set a context for an assessment question for example.

Contents 1 Key Concepts 1.1 Simple to use 1.2 Simple to produce 1.3 Immediate 1.4 Educationally focussed 1.5 Reusable 1.6 Engaging

[edit] Key Concepts

[edit] Simple to use

A single, easy to produce and manage audio file in a common format (MP3).

[edit] Simple to produce

The DALO has a well-defined and limited scope. This ensures that these useful resources can be easily designed and produced with little technical knowledge. Ambitious ideas, such as well developed 'programmes', are not likely to be DALOs because their increased sophistication will undoubtedly limit reusability and depend upon technical expertise in their production and distribution.

[edit] Immediate

DALOs are cheap to make and can be available quickly. Imagine one or two people speaking into a tape recorder and this recording being available from Blackboard within minutes for students to take away. This is what is possible.

[edit] Educationally focussed

Designing to support a distinct learning objective ensures that the DALO will satisfy its original, primary purpose. Reusability of learning content is desirable for economic reasons as long as educational integrity is not undermined.

However, DALOs may have a purpose beyond the original intention. For example, it may become useful in another subject area, with another cohort, or to reinforce understanding at a later stage.

[edit] Reusable

'The voice of the teacher' (also known as interpretation or mediation) happens outside of the DALO in the VLE, the lecture theatre or elsewhere. This means the DALO can be interpreted according to the needs of any learning context. In this way a particular DALO could be used in introducing an idea and again in an assessment, for example.

[edit] Engaging

Digital audio must be engaging to be useful.

It is difficult to keep an audience's attention for prolonged periods of time by audio alone. Also we need to accept that we are not professional actors and script writers.

Therefore that digital audio is best used selectively to capture attention, to deliver points succinctly (e.g. to summarise) and to illustrate and 'add colour' to the learning experience.