EcoLearnIT - Reusable Learning Objects Focused On Soil, Water, Crop and Environmental Science Topics.

The EcoLearnIT system allows to develop, host, and distribute Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) in support of online, distance education, and on-campus instruction in soil, water, crop and environmental sciences. It is an open-access learning repository available to teachers, students, and learners. Reusable Learning Objects are small units focused on a specific topic and have several main characteristics: (i) Web-based and accessible 24/7; (ii) Reusable in multiple context and multiple times; (iii) Self-contained; (iv) Small in size (about 2-15 minutes of learning); (v) Searchable; (vi) Flexible to use for multiple purposes; (vii) Interoperable, i.e., RLOs work across different platforms and can be aggregated into larger learning units such as modules or courses; (viii) Suited for new types of learners “net-generation learner”; (ix) cost-effective, i.e., they provide intellectural capital. The structure of an RLO follows the simplified learning cycle consisting of the following components: (i) Learning objective, (ii) Knowledge / instructional component which can be implemented in a variety of digital formats including text, graphics, images, maps, Power Point slides, animations, videos, and/or audio recordings, and (iii) Assessment (evaluation) to test the learners knowledge which reinforces learning.  RLOs in EcoLearnIT follow the same organizational structure, but allow developers the flexibility to engrain simple to complex learning material according to the Adapted Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning stimulating lower and higher order thinking skills. Here we present the capabilities of the EcoLearnIT system and demonstrate various RLOs focused on soil, water, crop, and environmental sciences, conservation management, modeling of ecosystems, and agriculture and life sciences topics.