Dan Fergus Design > Student
Resources > Syllabus > Project: Educational Product
VCB•425 Interactive Strategies
Interactive Educational Product
One of the biggest areas of growth in the multimedia field over the last few years has been in educational projects. Computers are playing a larger role in the classrooms than ever before as teachers look for ways to make use of new technology. Distance learning has become more widespread, leading to a demand for lessons that can be delivered over the Internet. And home schooling has become quite popular, creating a need for good educational materials that can run on a home computer. In addition, institutions like museums, libraries, and corporations are making increased use of multimedia products to educate customers, clients and employees.
Assignment
Create an original educational multimedia product that teachers a simple lesson. The product should be aimed at children, but you can determine the age level (up to 12th grade). The subject matter and content should also be age appropriate. The product may be HTML based or Flash based. In addition, it can include audio, video and other media and technologies. For example, you could incorporate javascript or php or XML, if you feel so inclined.
Procedure
- Choose a subject and target age group. It may be best to select a subject that you already have an interest in. There are many possibilities: math, science, history, languages, etc. Note that certain subjects will dictate the appropriate target age group. For example, a lesson in physics dealing with gravity, forces and motion is probably best suited for junior-high through high school. Conversely, a lesson that teaches the colors of the rainbow would be appropriate for 3-5 year olds. Once you've picked your subject, get my approval.
- Research your subject matter. If you're going to teach someone about it, you'd better know what you're talking about!
- Research your age group, specifically appropriate use of multimedia for that group. I have some resources that I can share with you (journal articles, etc.) along these lines.
- Come up with your lesson plan. What do you intend to teach? What are the specific goals of the lesson? Do you plan to include some sort of assessment? Keep it simple and to the point; don't try to tackle to much.
- Determine the method of delivery—HTML? Flash? Video? Combo platter? Once again, play to your strengths; choose a program/language that you feel you can work with comfortably.
- Build your product.
Deadline
Week 10: Due, beginning of class.