Learning objects
'Learning object' is the name given to a discrete chunk of educational material, generally in electronic form. The idea is that a learning object is a small unit of self contained content focused on a specific area. These objects can then be used with flexibility within a learning environment along with contextual information to form a complete learning experience. Learning objects should
- be discrete
- be resusable
- be retrievable
- be flexible
- be interoperable
- contain standard metadata describing the object.
There is no prescribed format for learning objects but they are often Flash, Java Applets, HTML, video or audio files.
Learning object repositories
There are many learning object repositories that allow these learning objects to be shared and reused (sometimes free, sometimes not). Often they will be discipline specific. Some of the larger general learning repositories are: Merlot
http://www.merlot.org 
Maricopa Learning Exchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/
Careo
http://careo.ucalgary.ca
Incorporating a learning object in your course:
You can generally embed learning objects directly into your MyUni course as you would any other file. Be aware of the issues with file size and download times and make sure you test the resource before making it available to students.
If the object is an image, flash, video or audio file you can select the 'Display media file within the page' option at the time of uploading.
If you would like help embedding a java applet in your course, there are often instructions associated with the object or for further help email us at online.clpd@adelaide.edu.au.
If the object is a HTML website see:
How to upload a whole website into your MyUni course 
Further Resources:
You can read more about learning objects, what they are and their pros and cons here:
All About Learning Objects
http://www.eduworks.com/LOTT/tutorial/learningobjects.html
You can read more about learning object repositories and an overview of four of the larger sites here:
Introduction to Learning Object Repositories
http://www.irc.gmu.edu/resources/findingaid/twt_guides/repos.htm
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