An instructional, self-contained resource, consisting of one or more content objects, that can be managed, delivered, assessed and monitored electronically, and which has implicit or explicit learning objectives associated with it. A learning object usually has one unique educational purpose.

A learning platform is software which is available online and which supports teaching and learning for practitioners and learners.  A learning platform can perform three main functions:

• content management and delivery of learning materials
• provision of communications for users, notably email, discussion forums and chat
• curriculumn management activity, including student login and tracking of their work.