Commentary by Sharon Perry and Simon Ball on Littlejohn, A. (2003) Reusing Online Resources, Chapter 10: Developing and Reusing Accessible Content and Applications, by Jutta Treviranus and Judy Brewer

Abstract: As the implementation of online learning systems continues to grow, so does the need for content that can be used in those systems. If that content were broken down into its component parts (learning objects), tagged with the appropriate metadata and stored in a searchable repository, a wealth of reusable educational resources would become available. By ensuring that these learning objects are also fully accessible, they can be used by anyone, anywhere, regardless of physical, environmental or technological limitations. Such modularised, accessible learning objects can then be mixed and matched to construct learning experiences appropriate to each learner's needs. This personalisation of learning could be equated in many senses to one-to-one teaching and will require more than just changes in the supporting infrastructure, it will also require a dramatic change in pedagogical thinking. Jutta Treviranus and Judy Brewer's chapter introduces the concept of reusable learning objects and describes some of the considerations that need to be made to ensure that accessibility is incorporated right at the very beginning of the design process. Editors: Allison Littlejohn and Simon Buckingham Shum