Batch
The NLN Materials were commissioned in batches, with each batch supplied by a specific content developer and covering a particular subject, at one or more levels. Clicking a level button on the home page usually shows more than one batch (you can then use the results filters to refine the view, such as only showing materials from particular content suppliers).
To just view a single batch, regardless of level, from the home page, expand the Pedagogy box and choose Tutor Documents. As well as giving access to the tutor documents for each batch (also available on the Learning Object details page for each LO), clicking a batch title takes you to a results page showing just that batch.
Downloading Learning Objects
To download any learning object - view its page and click the "Download as Content Package" buttin.
The zip file you receive is a Scorm Content Package, and should be compatable with all Scorm-complient VLEs. (The package is compliant with SCORM 1.2, with full metadata.) The zip also has a simple navigation system which can be used in the absence of a VLE - in a subfolder called "harness". Those without Scorm functionality - such as if hosting on an intranet, or using it on CD/USB - can link directly to the "harness/frameset.htm" file. Each NLN Learning Object is compressed as a zip file within the downloaded zip, and is encoded as a full SCORM 1.2 package, with full metadata.
Before downloading multiple LOs, particularly for use on Moodle - please consult this page - there may be more than one way to achieve what you need.
Related information:
- FAQ: How do I download?
Home Page
you can return to the home page at any time by clicking the “NLN Materials” title at the top-left of the site. The home page contains three sections – Materials, Pedagogy, and Support.
The Materials box has two views, depending on what sector you work within. Choosing the "schools" option in the upper right shows a categorisation based on Diplomas. For all other practitioners, the view shows multiple categories – just click one to expand. Whichever view you use (and you can switch between them at any time), click a “level button” to view the NLN Learning Objects associated with that topic/subject/diploma at that level. When logged in, the materials box also shows a text search box – useful for searching for specific themes that may cross subject areas. Note we recommend using the level buttons in most scenarios, as this will show a more comprehensive view of what's available.
The Pedagogy and Support boxes contain links to further information about the materials and the site – including this help window. Just click the box titles to expand them.
Learner URL
Every Learning Object on the NLN Materials Service has a Learner URL. This is a web address, typically beginning http://go.nln.ac.uk... which site users can distribute to their learners, and which will take those learners directly to the resource, bypassing the NLN site itself - no need to register or download anything.
Learning Object
The NLN Materials are composed of Learning Objects. Each LO contains one or more topics. Although in general terms, the definition of “learning object” can vary widely, in pedagogic terms an NLN Learning Object covers a particular learning objective, at a particular level, and is designed to be self-contained.
At a technical level, an NLN LO is represented by an IMS/Scorm Organisation, containing one or more Resources/SCOs. When downloaded, the site follows the norm of having one organisation per content package, so in that sense one NLN LO also represents one content package.
LO Details Page
Each Learning Object in the NLN Materials Service has its own Details page. Browsing a results page or will give you a list of LOs, and selecting one of these will take you to the Details page for that LO.
Each Details page is broken into sections.
- Info gives basic information about the LO, such as the name, a short description and the supplier.
- Support contains links to various bits of tutor-supplied documentation, specific to that LO or batch of LOs.
- Share contains links to various social bookmarking sites. You can share to peers (in which case, the information page is shared) or learners (in which case to content itself - the Learner URL - is shared).
- Use includes tools for accessing the LO directly: the Play Online button runs the LO itself; the Learner URL is a link directly to the LO, so learners can work through the material without going through the NLN site itself. This is the most common method of distributing access to LOs to learners. In accordance with the Terms and Conditions, please do not place these links on publically available websites - they are only for use by learners at your organisation.
Results Page
This page is shown after clicking any level button on the home page, or after a text search, and from various other places within the site. Whatever results are shown, the page allows you to:
- Use the text box to filter the results by a word or phrase within the title of the resources. Delete the word or phrase to view all results again.
- Depending on what results you are viewing, various sets of checkboxes may be available. Unchecking any of these filters the results displayed. Recheck all boxes to restore the full view.
- You can sort the results by clicking on any column header. The page allows you to click the title of any Learning Object to view its Leaning Object information page:
Related information:
Tutor Documents
Each batch of Learning Objects released was accompanied by tutor documentation. Written by the suppliers and informed by academics, these documents outline how the resources can be used as part of wider training programmes. You can find them from the Details page of each LO.