Evaluating Interactive Multimedia LRND 5660
September 2, 2010
DNA From the Beginning (Type: Simulation, Format: Shockwave)
I looked at the DNA From the Beginning simulation, which is created in Shockwave. It is a set of 41 tutorials in three different categories, Classical Genetics, Molecules of Genetics, and Genetic Organization and Control. There are 6 distinct categories that Merlot has come up with to evaluate learning modules such as this:
Ease of Use– I found it quite easy to navigate the module. The categories and each corresponding chapter are posted on the right so jumping around to parts of interest is easy. Each chapter has a series of links that take the user to shorts talks by scientists, biographies, problems, and short animation sequences.
Cognitive Load– subject matter is challenging and informative. I liked the fact that they state it is for general education college students and I think the material reflects that.
Knowledge Space and Information Presentation– Information is easily found, but as mentioned below there is no discernable search function. The same system of displaying data is used throughout the module and makes it consistent.
Media Integration– Short videos play without a problem, and the animation sequences are good at explaining the concepts. Video quality is rather low and amateurish. Quite often the person being interviewed is a mile away in the frame and looking out of the frame, and a lapel microphone is not consistently used, making it more difficult to hear.
Aesthetics– Good enough for what it needs to do. The simple white background makes the necessary buttons stand out well, and despite all the information there is not much visual clutter.
Overall Functionality– The site loads quickly and there is little to no waiting involved. There were the occasional text formatting errors, but nothing severe. There is no way that I could find to search for a specific area of interest. That would be quite helpful for students who need to find a certain topic and are not sure exactly where it is.
MecMovies (Type: Tutorial, Format: Flash)
Ease of Use– This flash document is comprised of 15 chapters, an Appendix, and an Assignments section. One can easily jump from one to another and the loading time is very short. I think a bit more thought could go into the submenus, as it seems to be inconsistent. Clicking on Ch. 8 for example pulls up sections 8.3 as the first one, leaving me wondering what happened to 8.1 and 8.2. I was a bit confused with the layout sometimes as they often put different sections in the same window.
Cognitive Load– Lots of information is presented and seems quite challenging. I liked that they specify that is for College General Education. I’m not certain if this program is designed to be walked through with an instructor or for self-learning.
Knowledge Space and Information Presentation– The creator seems to have spent quite a bit of time on trying to make a dry subject fun. I found myself slightly overwhelmed with all the data that they put in each window. I think some of it would be more usable if broken up in separate windows.
Media Integration– This flash-based program often uses the word movies to describe some of the diagrams, but they don’t really move. Seems a bit of a misnomer to me.
Aesthetics– I found it a little busy and cluttered without enough color separation between the buttons and the rest of the content. On the smaller windows it is easy to lose track of where the play buttons and others are located. I think a white background would help make the buttons stand out more and thus be easier to locate and use.
Overall Functionality– Similar to DNA From the Beginning, there is a lack of search function. Information in the sidebar seems cluttered, as does the general interface. It is not readily apparent where the user should look first when on a new page, which can lead to confusion.
Neuroscience for Kids (Type: Collection, Format: HTML/text)
Ease of Use– Site is easy to navigate and much of the information is readily available without having to use multiple clicks. I think it’s the easiest to use of the three modules, although I wish they had incorporated a NEXT button to move to the next part in a series.
Cognitive Load– Lots of information is presented and it seems quite challenging overall, though they walk you through it all.
Knowledge Space and Information Presentation– Information is simply laid out and all you have to do is scroll down the page. As mentioned above it would be nice if there were a NEXT button and a BACK button so the user can more easily navigate.
Media Integration– I liked the “Hear It” buttons that take you to a link to hear proper pronunciation of difficult science terms. Going to these makes you have to use the Back button in the browser. It would be nice to see these embedded in the page. In an attempt to make science fun, they include a variety of games to play.
Aesthetics– A very simple design, uses lots of clip-art and smells of 1996. Yes, it could use a refresh but the information is still applicable to today’s world.
Overall Functionality– Site has a Search function and a Site Map. Finding information is quite easy, although I would move the Search button to the bottom and have the actual content near the top. I am not entirely sure who this module is aimed at. They say the primary audience is College General Education, but I found some lesson plans for teachers on there as well, something that would not be needed for students. They also call it Neuroscience for Kids, but aim it at the college level. I think they could stand to rename the program.
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