ENGAGING LARGE ENROLLMENT CLASSES USING INTERACTIVE, MULTIMEDIA MODULES BUILT WITH FLASH

Although it is highly visual, Earth science also involves motion, time and three dimensions. Students unaccustomed to visualizing spatially and temporally often have difficulty relating static diagrams and photographs to the geologic processes occurring around them every day. By creating multimedia modules that illustrate depth, time and motion and are deliverable via the Web, an instructor can change the passive learning environment of large classes into an interactive and engaging learning experience. Potential multimedia modules include: 1) animations that illustrate motion and/or the passage of time; 2) interactive graphs which dynamically plot equations or data sets that a student can manipulate; 3) logic-enforced flow charts (LEFC) that encourage students to use a logical, systematic and repeatable thought process to solve a problem; and 4) simulations and what-if models which require students to use previously-learned concepts to address complex, multidimensional problems. (Examples of these types of modules can be found at http://tmf.gg.uwyo.edu/.) Although these types of modules can be created using a variety of Web technologies, interactive and multimedia modules created using Macromedia’s Flash are small in size, resolution independent and Web deliverable. In addition, the ability of Flash to handle a variety of formats permits incorporation of existing multimedia components. Flash’s native scripting language can also be used to perform complex calculations and respond to user input. By running on the client computer, Flash modules reduce network traffic and lower Web server demands. This client-side focus also means that the modules can be adopted and adapted by different instructors to meet their own educational needs. An instructor with limited HTML knowledge can readily insert these modules into his/her Web page. A more Web-savvy instructor can also alter the HTML call parameters to modify how the module functions. This modular, flexible approach allows instructors to use the Flash modules to create their own highly individualized educational activities customized to their local geologic setting and student audience.