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Four Basic Flash Learning Activities For e-Learning Development

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(Part 3 of 4 Part Series)

By Dana Fine, Senior Instructional Designer at SyberWorks, Inc.

In our first article, we looked at developing a 'circle answer conditional' learning activity and discussed some variations relating to various types of scenarios. In that example, the learning activity is “conditional” because the user has a choice of answers and the learning activity will respond a certain way, depending upon the answer that the student selects. In our second article, we covered the 'drag and drop, many to one correspondence' learning activity with some variations to illustrate its use.

Today, we will examine the 'drag fill in the blank' learning activity and provide some variations, so you can see how this learning activity may be used in various learning scenarios. Remember that any number of learning activities can be developed using Flash, with varying levels of difficulty and sophistication. The selection of these four learning activities is by no means complete or exclusive. This series provides a basis for how you can go from concept to learning-activity development. As with the two previous examples, we will provide a link to a sample for your viewing. Let's get started.

3. Drag Fill in the Blank

Description:

This learning activity consists of a paragraph with blanks for the student to fill in. The possible words that may fill in the blanks are listed below the paragraph. The student drags a word or group of words to fill in a blank. If he drags the correct word to the blank, the word moves into the space. If he drags it to the wrong spot, it returns to the bottom of the paragraph. After the student successfully drags the elements to the correct spots in the paragraph, the student gets a congratulations screen specific to that learning activity.

Functionality:

First, instructions appear describing the learning activity with directions. The student then drags the word or words to a blank or underlined part of the paragraph (each word grouping is indicated clearly; you cannot drag more than one choice at a time). If the student drags the word to the correct spot in the paragraph, the word appears above the underline and audio may indicate that he is correct. If the choice is incorrect, the word returns to the bottom of the paragraph. After the student has successfully dragged the choices to the correct underlined spots in the paragraph, the student sees a congratulations screen and hears applause.

A Drag Fill in the Blank:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Drag the term to its appropriate place in the paragraph to demonstrate your understanding of the material.

Paragraph with underlines to indicate blanks (Example, replace for new activity)

The _____________________ of the project was not in doubt; the ____________ cost was the issue. “Tell me the numbers. Do not _______________.” The CEO was an __________ man and did not want to ___________________ the pain of the financial examination. In an effort to ____________ the CEO, the project leader ___________showed the reasons that the cost was so high.

Words to fill in blanks (Example, replace for new activity) Note that the words appear in more than one column as shown here:

efficacy exorbitant equivocate erudite
exacerbate emulate explicitly

Put the words in the order in which they will appear in the paragraph. We will randomize them.

Ending Text Message (may be a picture), Audio is generally applause. Example, replace for new activity:

Congratulations! You understand your GRE Vocabulary Words!

Here is a link for you to check out the above learning activity in action: http://www.syberworks.com/dragFillInTheBlank.html

Below are some variations of the 'Drag Fill in the Blank' examples where this method of learning is useful:

Example: 1 Identifying various parts of a machine.

Example: 2 Testing knowledge of procedures by indicating missing words within steps.

Example: 3 Using pictures instead of words to indicate knowledge of procedures, steps, or other pertinent information for a course.

So, until next time, have a great month!

About the Author:

Dana Fine is a Senior Instructional Designer at SyberWorks, Inc. SyberWorks is a custom e-Learning solutions company that specializes in Learning Management Systems, e-Learning solutions, and custom online course development. Dana is also a frequent contributor to the Online Training Content Journal

The Online Training Content Journal  Best practices, techniques, and trends in online training development and e-learning instructional design

The Online Training Content Journal blog looks at best practices, techniques, and trends in online training development and e-Learning instructional design.

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