Presenting Digitised Materials for Learning 2 October 2001

Agenda Who we are Aims and objectives Handouts Discussion Summary

Who we are ? Carolyn Royston, Education Director –ex-primary school teacher & ICT coordinator –worked in new media for 2 years –specialising in creating learning resources for electronic medium Sophia Robertson, Arts & Culture Director –museum background (NMM & V&A) –content/production manager of Search Station –specialising in collection-based new media projects for last 3 years

Aims and Objectives ‘Overarching aim of the NOF digitisation programme is to produce a significant body of digital material to SUPPORT learning in its broadest sense’

Aims how to support learning using your digitised materials the different ways of interpreting your materials how to bring your resources to life identifying potential problems specific to learning

Objectives a greater understanding of how to create online learning materials a range of ideas to consider or develop within your own projects

Presenting Materials Variety of ways to ensure your digitised materials support learning by using the electronic medium to its best effect: Examples include: digitised material features routes into materials interactive features learning packages

Features Features using your digitised materials include: –animations –audio and film –types of digitisation –panoramas –interpretations –object handling/material discovery

Routes Different routes into your digitised materials –maps –pictures –environments –virtual reality –GIS Tools –types of searches, glossary, timelines etc –online books (access…) –assistance (if this was of interest…) –marketing (e-cards, NOF links…)

Interactives Interactive features –games –quizzes –activities –puzzles –discussion forum –‘Ask an Expert’/Q&As –noticeboards/feedback/comments

Packages Learning packages surrounding a topic or theme for formal and informal learning (using elements from previous ideas and/or existing printed resources) –appropriate text and digitised materials for audience –online activities –downloadable resources –learning guide or notes

Guidelines for developing interactive learning resources Abridged version of Guidelines developed for BECTa practical and simple pointers for developing educationally effective digital learning resources a framework and checklist for use throughout your project focus on ‘what is an interactive educational resource?’ highlight distinction between printed and digital resources

Guidelines for developing interactive learning resources Some key points to consider: Assessing Content Navigation, Icons, Text, Visuals Questions, Exploring Discussion, Participation Fun, Balance, Differentiation

Considerations when creating online learning resources specialist area involve education consultant/coordinator in project as early as possible partnership between content provider and developer test and evaluate content on target audience

Simple Tips an online learning resource requires a clear and well- defined purpose – whatever its size! engage the user with the CONTENT not the interface use other sites to view good/bad practice In addition to your technical standards, for effective learning, remember: clear and consistent navigation visually interesting testing and built-in evaluation simplicity works best

Discussion How will you turn your resources into an effective learning tool? How do you make your resource different from the rest? What are your concerns about creating materials supporting learning?