Issues in the user interface design of an interactive multimedia program on scientific inquiry skills

Maor, D. and Phillips, R. (1996) Issues in the user interface design of an interactive multimedia program on scientific inquiry skills. In: ASCILITE 1996: Making new connections , 2 - 4 December 1996, Adelaide, S.A.

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Abstract

This paper reports on a project to represent a scientific database of physical and biological observations of birds in Antarctic waters in a visual form using various interactive multimedia (IMM) techniques. A situated learning approach has been used, based on a constructivist framework, with scaffolding to guide students in developing their own inquiry skills.

The IMM program simulates the ship-board environment, while providing user-friendly access to a complex range of database query and report-generating procedures. A further key requirement of the design was the ability for the student to record their own observations and graphs and prepare their own report about their conclusions.

The paper discusses the development of the user interface design based on these considerations.