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Learning Objects
About Learning Objects
Learning objects are electronic (digital) modules of information that are reusable and retrievable from a central information repository for educational purposes.

The American Sign Language (ASL) Learning ObjectsDigital video sequences with text deliverable over the Internet (individuals may access and use them simultaneously), accessible through a CD-ROM (for individual use via a computer at the person's own pace), retrievable from a knowledge repository (for global sharing), and viewable on a handheld computer (for individual mobile use).

The American Sign Language Learning Objects may be used free for educational purposes, as resource materials for a course, or as a stand-alone self-paced tool for learning ASL. To obtain information on how to access the ASL Learning Objects, please send a message to learningobjects@uwm.edu and include in your message your name, the name of your institution, and how you plan to use the learning objects.

CoordinatorsDr. Simone Conceição, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Dr. Rosemary Lehman, Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Purchase our American Sign Language Basics CD

Updates on Our Research
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Design of a Distance Education Course in American Sign Language Offered to Continuing Education Students: This study investigated the effectiveness of the design of the ASL distance education course in a university setting. The study was conducted using formative and summative methods. Results identified three themes: course participants concerns, significance of interactions, and a deeper understanding of the deaf culture.

An Evaluation of the Use of Learning Objects as an Instructional Aid in Teaching Adults: Even though there was no indication that the use of the learning objects affected student learning outcomes as shown in the statistical results, students pointed out in their qualitative comments that the learning objects helped them clarify, remember, review, practice, and reinforce the signs; provided access to signs that were not included in the workbook and videotape; assisted in studying for quizzes and exam; aided with class participation; and helped when absent from class. Two themes emerged from the qualitative data: inexperience using the technology and lack of self-directedness to problem solve its use, and confusion due to lack of synchronization between learning objects signs and direct instruction.

PublicationsLehman, R., & Conceição, S. (2007). American sign Language learning objects for instruction: A higher education perspective. In P. Northrup (Ed.), Learning objects for instruction: Design and evaluation. Idea Group Publishing, Information Science Publishing, IRM Press.

Conceição, S. (2006). American Sign Language learning objects development and evaluation project report. Report submitted to the University of Wisconsin System.

Lehman, R., & Conceição, S. (2002). Developing, archiving, and disseminating learning objects: The process. In R. M. Lehman, B. E. Dewey, & R. A. Berg, Using distance education technology: Effective practices. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Extension, Instructional Communications Systems.
 
Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (2002). Creating Learning Objects to Enhance the Educational Experiences of American Sign Language Learners: An Instructional Development Report. Canadian Journal of Learning & Technology, University of British Colombia, Canada.

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (July 2001). DESIEN Electronic Newsletter, July 2001, Volume 6.6.

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (December 2001). Involving the Deaf Community in Distance Learning Using Blended Technologies and Learning Objects. Teaching With Technology Today, Volume 8, Number 3.

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (October 2001). Involving the Deaf Community in Distance Learning, Using Blended Technologies and Learning Objects. IEEE Electronic Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4.

UWM Report. (November 2002). UWM Researchers Pioneer a Better Way to Teach ASL. Issued by: Kathy Quirk.

UWM Website. (October 2002). UWM Faculty Member Keynotes National Conference for Deaf Educators. Issued by: Kathy Quirk.

UWM Report. (September 2001). Students Learn About Deaf Culture, ASL Across the Miles. Issued by: Kathy Quirk.

UWM Website. (July 2001). UWM, Madison Students Learn Asl Across 90 Miles. Issued by: Kathy Quirk.

Presentations Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (August, 2003). Transferring/Applying learning objects in various delivery formats: Step-by-Step. 19th Annual Distance Teaching & Learning Conference. Madison, Wisconsin. (Peer Reviewed)

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (August, 2003). Video-based American Sign Language learning objects for an ASL course, accessible in multiple delivery formats. Learning Objects Roundup. 19th Annual Distance Teaching & Learning Conference. Madison, Wisconsin. (Invited)

Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (June, 2003). American Sign Language learning objects in four formats: Web, CD-ROM, knowledge repository, and handheld device. Poster Session. Ed-Media Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii. (Peer Reviewed)

Conceição, S. (May, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem em Quatro Formatos: Web, CD-ROM, Repositorio de Conhecimento, e Dispositivo Handheld. Universidade Sao Paulo-Sao Carlos, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (February, 2003). Evaluation of the effectiveness of the design of a distance education course in American Sign Language offered to continuing education students. Academy of Human Resource Development Conference. Minneapolis, MN. (Peer Reviewed)

Conceição, S. (January, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem em Quatro Formatos: Web, CD-ROM, Repositorio de Conhecimento, e Dispositivo Handheld. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Fisica, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. (January, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem em Quatro Formatos: Web, CD-ROM, Repositorio de Conhecimento, e Dispositivo Handheld. Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. (January, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem e seus Repositorios em Varios Formatos. Brasil Telecom, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. (January, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem em Quatro Formatos: Web, CD-ROM, Repositorio de Conhecimento, e Dispositivo Handheld. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. (January, 2003). Desenvolvimento de Objetos de Aprendizagem em Quatro Formatos: Web, CD-ROM, Repositorio de Conhecimento, e Dispositivo Handheld. Pontificio Universidade Catolica, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Invited)

Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (October, 2002). American Sign Language and Learning Objects in Multiple Delivery Formats. Innovations in e-Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, Presentation. (Invited)

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (October, 2002). The Design and Development of ASL Video-Based Learning Objects. Videoconferencing 2002: Emerging Technologies for Deaf Education Conference, Washington, DC, Keynote Address. (Invited)

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (October, 2002). Creating, Archiving, and Retrieving Learning Objects for Educational Use. The 10th Annual Governor's Wisconsin Educational Technology Conference (GWETC), Madison, WI, Presentation. (Peer Reviewed)

Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (September, 2002). Developing, Archiving, and Disseminating Learning Objects: The Process. MERLOT International Conference on Academic Approaches to Technology Content, Collaboration, Collections, and Community, Atlanta, GA, Presentation. (Peer Reviewed)

Conceição, S. & Lehman, R. (August, 2002). Developing, archiving and disseminating learning objects: The process. 18th Annual Distance Teaching & Learning Conference. Madison, Wisconsin. (Peer Reviewed)

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (April, 2002). Involving the deaf community in distance learning, using blended technologies and learning objects. New Designs for Learning. University Continuing Education Association 87th Annual Conference, Toronto, Canada, Poster Session and Demonstration. (Peer Reviewed)

Lehman, R. & Conceição, S. (October, 2001). Involving the Deaf Community in Distance Teaching & Learning The 9th Annual Governor's Wisconsin Educational Technology Conference (GWETC), Green Bay, WI, Presentation. (Peer Reviewed)

ContributorsContent Designer: Amy June Rowley, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Video Producer: Scott Foley, Consultant
Meta-Data Author: Matthew Stanosz, Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin-Extension

PartnersUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Extension, Instructional Communications System
University of Wisconsin-System
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
ADL Co-Lab

For more informationEmail learningobjects@uwm.edu