Criteria for pedagogical reusability of learning objects enabling adaptation and individualised learning processes

Learning objects (LOs) enables an individual and adaptive learning process provided by learning content management system (LCMS) or realised on the micro level by an individual learning object. The adaptive use of LOs sets up demands for LOs; they have to be highly reusable, but still not pedagogically empty or meaningless pieces of content information. Instruction with an adaptive and individual learning process consisting of LOs has to be based on the design of the learner´s learning process (B. Sridharan and Kinshuk, 2003 and P. Silander and H. Koli, 2003). Learning objects are linked to a total learning process by the pedagogical interface and pedagogical functions of LOs. This paper provides the criteria for pedagogical reusability of LOs based on the case analysis of existing LOs and theoretical examination of some existing usability models and evaluation criteria for digital learning materials. The criteria for pedagogical reusability of LOs are needed as a basis for designing adaptive learning systems and learning objects used with an adaptive system or with a LCMS (learning content management system)(B. Chapman and B. Hall, 2001).