Book excerpt: E-learning is becoming integral to on-site education in universities worldwide, and the rapid explosion of interest in the subject means that this timely, cutting edge book will be an instant and indispensable resource. Among educators, the development of reusable learning objects made accessible via the internet is ever more important to teaching and learning at university. This book takes a studied look at the current state of online education, presenting advice on the creation, adaption and implementation of learning objects and metadata. Including articles written by some of the leading innovators in the field, this book takes the reader through: * designing effective learning objects * creating learning objects * transforming existing content into resuable learning objects * building a metadata management system This book will be essential reference material for course developers at university, postgraduate students, teachers and learners in the field of e-learning.