Learning Objects (LOs) are small, reusable components of instructional media. The fundamental idea behind LOs is the creation of instructional components that can be reused numerous times in different learning contexts. In addition, these LOs can be delivered over the Internet and can be accessed by a number of individuals simultaneously, with minimal effort. Therefore, instructors would not have to develop their own instructional components. Instead they could use objects developed by others, bypassing the step of breaking down lessons developed by others in order to reassemble into their own lesson format to support their individual instructional goals. This modularity will allow for increased speed and efficiency of instructional development and decrease faculty preparation time.

Level 1 objects consist of simple graphics or images that can be used by a faculty member to show students examples of specific bacterial organisms. An example of a Level 1 LO would be a picture of a gram stain of a gram-negative bacillus or an agar plate with Escherichia coli bacterial colonies growing.

Level 2 objects are slightly more complex and consist of an animation or video clip showing a specific mechanism. An example of this level might be a video of a positive oxidase test (that includes the procedure for performing the test).

Level 3 objects require specific student interaction. An example of a Level 3 LO might be a Flash animation requiring the student to place the agar plates in the correct incubation environment or an exercise requiring the student to interpret a biochemical panel (that requires the addition of specific reagents for the final reaction to occur). This level of LO will include 1-2 objectives and a short unit of instruction including an interactive piece.