Last summer I was asked to develop a more interactive version of an existing tutorial. The Miami eScholar project is a training that will be shown to all first and second year students. It is was designed to promote academic integrity, while at the same time, introducing students to writing and research resources they have at their disposal.
Although the training introduces sound practices for writing and research, the content itself was dry and static. The client asked me to create a more interactive, fun and intriguing tutorial. The client mentioned that the first two passes didn’t go over well with student focus groups.
To combat the static nature of the content, and reduce the time it took to get through the training, I decided to go with an interactive ‘paperworks’ style training video I’d seen on YouTube recently (thank you commoncraft.com for the inspiration). The animated video provides information and is occasionally paused by a Flash based activity requiring the student to interact. At the end of each section is a multiple choice test (this one isn’t boring) embedded in the video. Flash is awesome!
We’ve had a few changes along the way. We know we’ll have to make more changes. But, we’ve come up with a first pass that seems like it might work well. But let me know what you think. For best player results, install the latest Adobe Flash Player.
See the eScholar video
It is a SHAME folks haven’t commented on this work. It is really beautiful stuff . . . you’ve taken a dry subject and really brought it to life with the gorgeous animation . . .
Again, thanks. eScholar is under review right now to make sure it satisfies all departments that have a stake in it.
Our version has tested really well with the students. So, hopefully the reviewers will take THAT into consideration.
[...] Quickstart” is a reformatted, more dynamic version of the eScholar training. The scenario-based tutorials are designed to inform students on issues of academic integrity and [...]