A pedagogical approach to the design of learning objects

In this paper we describe an approach to the design of learning objects (LOs) suitable to support learning in complex domains at university level. Our proposal is centred on a costructivist approach where learning is viewed as resulting from personal activity and comparison with the activity of others. Our pedagogical approach to knowledge acquisition and to the use of technological tools is realized by means of didactical units which can be implemented as Learning Objects (LOs) with a variety of structures and aims. In this framework, we address the issue of supporting students' learning in ways that differ according to the requirements of each situation. Based on an analysis of the literature, we devise possible types of support that students may need in different learning situations and show how they can be realized by means of our pedagogically-oriented LOs.