Interactive Multimedia

By definition, interactive media allows the user to actively participate and have some control over functions. For educational purposes, when a learner is actively engaged they are more likely to retain the information. I believe that we can all reflect on learning and realize that has some truth. To put it in perspective would you rather read a webpage as a passive observer, or interact with the webpage. Compare this interactive site detailing how drugs disrupt synapses in the brain with this one which highlights drug effects. It is also fair to mention that the intentions of the user affects the outcome as well. For instance, if you just want a quick answer about drug affects then perhaps a static page is best, but understanding a concept in its entirety would prompt a more interactive approach. As the saying goes: “less text, more learning.”

Here is a short list of websites that utilize interactive media:

AIDS at 25 was published by the St. Petersburg Times. The site highlights the spread of AIDS across America and the world.

Forests, Fields, and Falls was funded by the Minnesota Historical Society. A simple interactive story about the riches of Minnesota.

National Museum of Australia hosts several interactive “learn thru play” activities.

PBS’s Nova has several interactive galleries, slideshows, and resources. Check out “An Elegant Universe.”

Even the CIA has educational games for all grade levels. They range from puzzles, decoding messages, and analyzing data or images.

Knowitall.org has tons of k-12 educational resources. It is ETV’s online educational portal that lets you do anything from taking virtual field trips, watch videos, podcasts, virtual games, and several other interactive multimedia links.

The New York Times is generally a great place to look for media. Here is an example of an interactive graph. You control the variables and see the results as to whether it is better to buy or rent a home. Or this one about a poll regarding how different groups of people spend their day.

You are in charge of a team that is responsible for stopping a global flu pandemic. Good luck fighting the outbreak.

Cisco develops educational material as well. Here is a small town called Packetville, where kids between 8-11 can explore, play educational games, and be creative. Another example of learning thru play.