Heins and Himes begin this whitepaper by noting the challenge of finding authoring tools to develop standards-based, on-line content that can be reused in multiple contexts; that is high in quality; and that is transferable across various platforms and devices. While it is technically possible to develop, design, deploy, and transfer content, the authors feel that a new paradigm must be adopted-one that shifts content design from the "traditional linear 'course' approach to a more granular, component approach".

Noting the Masie Center's work in clarifying standards, the authors describe an "anatomy" of learning object design and development. A graphic illustration highlights the connection of learning, practice, and assessment to a learning objective; it also indicates the role of metadata and the significance of interoperability with management systems and databases. Citing the need to "draw upon shared templates and development methodologies, code resources, and media assets," the authors note the need for powerful and flexible development tools. This need is linked to the quality, utility, and value of content objects.

Macromedia Flash and Macromedia Flash MX are provided as examples of tools that can address this need. Topics covered in this section of the paper include rapid development environments, libraries, movie clips, components, action scripts, and bandwidth. Reference is also made to HTML publishing, JavaScript, and SCORM-compatible LMS products. The dynamic instructional potential of content is strongly emphasized as a benefit of using Macromedia Flash MX.

After providing a list of questions that should be asked before embarking on the development of a learning object, the second half of the paper discusses the process of developing and distributing learning objects from a systems point of view. The authors interweave discussion, graphics, and a hypothetical case study to point out the following key stages: pre-assessment; analysis and design; development; learning interactions; implementation and evaluation; and maintenance.

Hines and Himes conclude with a further but unexamined list of the possibilities an authoring tool such as Macromedia Flash MX holds. It should be noted, however, that a basic familiarity with programming or software applications may be helpful to understanding the more technical portion of the paper.

For the full text, see: http://download.macromedia.com/pub/solutions/downloads/elearning/flash_mxlo.pdf

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