The CETL for Teaching and Learning in Reusable Learning Objects (RLO-CETL) was set up in April 2005, with a grant of £3.4 million from HEFCE. The CETL is a partnership of three universities: London Metropolitan University, the University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham. The CETL set out to create a set of rich multimedia learning objects (RLOs), build a strong community of practice, and build partnerships at both a national and international level. In addition, the CETL aimed to advance the conceptual basis for reusable learning objects. It has thus begun to develop a second generation of learning objects called ‘generative learning objects’ (GLOs). These are highly adaptable learning objects, based on reusable pedagogical designs, which enable active adaptation as well as reuse of the learning objects. The CETL is run by a management team from the three universities, overseen by a Steering Group. The Management Group members are:

	Tom Boyle Director		John Cook Manager and Academic Co-ordinator, London Met
	Dawn Leeder Reward and Development Manager		Rob Alton Academic Coordinator, Cambridge
	Heather Wharrad Academic Coordinator, Nottingham (.5 post)		Richard Windle Academic Coordinator, Nottingham (.5 post)

By the end of its first two-year phase of development in 2007, the CETL had:

• developed over 180 reusable multimedia learning objects (RLOs) and used these with over 5,500 students across the partnership
• built a rich community of developers and users, with strong national and international links
• implemented an Agile Development Method with a rich set of supporting tools for quality assurance
• advanced the theoretical basis of RLOs, through the concept of ‘generative learning objects’, with a prototype authoring tool
• developed a number of multimedia learning objects for mobile phones.

These developments are reported in over 70 journals and refereed conference papers (see Press office / Publications for details). In the second phase of the CETL development to 2010, we will significantly scale up the CETL activities. We aim to:

• move to a predominantly GLO based model for the development and reuse of learning objects (producing learning objects that are highly adaptable), with enhanced tool support for GLO development
• extend and deepen the community, involving more people actively as developers, adapters and users of learning objects
• build a major new application area in mobile learning objects
• continue to contribute significantly to pedagogical research in reusable designs and reusable learning objects
• build a viable model to encourage the widespread take-up and embedding of learning objects at institutional, national and international levels

... and widen our links with national and international groups interested in reusable learning objects, reusable learning designs and enhancing the quality of technology supported learning.