Student Learning with Reusable Learning Objects

Reusable learning objects (RLOs) are self-contained, web-based units that can be reused for teaching content. This document discusses how the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is using RLOs to provide students anytime access to course content and assessments to improve information literacy skills. Library staff and instructional designers have collaborated to develop several tutorial RLOs on topics such as primary vs. secondary sources and citation skills. Student surveys found that the majority of students found the RLOs useful and that their research assignments improved as a result. However, developing high-quality RLOs is a time-intensive process and faculty need guidance on integrating them effectively.