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"Memory Matters" coursework briefing

The Memory Matters site was developed as coursework for Interactive Learning on the Web (a unit of the University of Portsmouth's MSc in Information Systems). PLEASE NOTE: Students were required to develop their courseware prototypes to run under Netscape Navigator 4, on the assumption that students would be advised to use a particular browser. This would enable a courseware developer to concentrate on maximising interactivity, rather than spending time designing multiple versions for different browsers. There follows an edited version of the coursework briefing.

The coursework consists of two sections: the CAL courseware suitable for delivery on the Web, and a report explaining the choice of topic, the stages of development, and how interactivity and learning experiences were maximised.

The objectives of the coursework are to:

• identify a topic suitable for CAL (Computer-Aided Learning) published on a public medium.
• apply a method of instructional design to a piece of CAL courseware.
• implement the design using suitable Internet authoring software.
• deal effectively with the issues of interactivity in Internet materials.
• carry out a process of self-evaluation relating to the coursework process and outcomes.

Marks will be awarded in the following categories:

• Instructional Design: the package should have clear learning aims, assess student progress and give feedback.
• Interactivity: the student should be able to control pacing, sequence, transactions (e.g. entering test answers), media (e.g.. turning music, video, animations, etc. on and off). The package should also enable social interaction (e.g. using e-mail, Newsgroups, etc.)
• Usability: the package should be clear, simple and consistent, make appropriate and imaginative use of HTML features, and take into account file sizes to minimise download times.
• Functionality: the package should run and navigational controls be operational - links leading to parts of the package which have not been implemented should display an appropriate message.
• Exceptional features: extra marks were awarded for extensive correct use of multimedia, excellence in usability and style, interesting content and design, effective external links, high levels of interactivity, provision of a comprehensive help system, extensive monitoring, etc.

Now that you have read the objectives of the "Memory Matters" coursework, you can read the report written to support the work, or view the "Memory Matters" prototype Web-based learning site. (Note: the Memory Matters site was developed for Netscape Navigator 4. Many features will not work properly in other browsers.)