Development of multimedia learning environment

Aleš Šavli (2010) Development of multimedia learning environment. EngD thesis.

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Abstract

The thesis describes ideas and development of multimedia learning environment in connection with available development technologies and multimedia tools for producing learning objects. It also refers to the concept of learning environment, outlines the history of the use of computer technology in schools and mentions problems in usage and establishes the choice of programming methodology. In introduction the history of Information and communication technologies usage in education is presented and different types of e-learning objects, problems or deficiencies in usage are described. The stated facts and problems noted in the usage of e-learning environments were the motives for the development of a new multimedia learning environment presented in my thesis. The classification of multimedia programming equipment and argumentation for the chosen system platform is described next. Both chosen technology for developing environments and multimedia tools include Adobe Flash technology so they enable advanced administration and management of voice, video and animation. Tools for making series of interactive quizzes (Quizfaber), series of interactive exercises, (jClic), innovative transformation of PowerPoint presentations into flash technology and quizzes (iSpring), didactic games and games for learning words (Content Creator, Spellmaster) and animated dictionary (Articulate – Engage) are described in details. There is also a presentation of Moodle, an often used e-learning environment in Slovenian schools. In the main part the thesis first arguments why the programming methodology for the learning environment was chosen. Because of the need for more adaptable cooperation between a developer and a customer the agile programming methodology was chosen and the advantages and disadvantages of it are described. The concept of learning environment is divided into three groups: formal, informal and occasional. The designed multimedia learning environment is divided into different content clusters: i-course book, i-workbook, i-exercises, songs and stories, games and a dictionary. I-course book and i-workbook are electronic versions of the classic course book and workbook with some interactive quizzes added. Different types of i-exercises enable students to revise and check their knowledge. The animated songs and stories are additional didactic resources that make learning more visual. The games produced in Flash offer interesting and playful learning. Interactive dictionary gives a simultaneous insight into the meaning of the words. After that a solution of the new multimedia environment is described in details. The data model is presented and also the structure of the user interfaces that enable the choice, the shift between several content clusters and exercises and all the learning content. The content cluster view was created by the user control the learning content view was made by the WebBrowser component and axShockwaveFlash. The same way data structures and information about learning objects are described in details. The class includes defined functions for adding names on the buttons that offer choices between different exercises. The thesis finally presents an illustrative overview of how the learning environment is used. Keywords: multimedia learning environment, interactive learning materials, agile methodology, multimedia development tools, .NET Framework, user interface, Adobe Flash

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