Occasionally when working with faculty we hear them say "there is this fun and interactive thing I do in my class that I can't imagine how we can replicate online". Often we can find a way with an interactive simulation, a game, or multi-user virtual space. Several examples of interactive media:
Simulations
Simulations allow us to interact with a physical model or abstract process. Common examples of simulations include mechanical bulls, flight simulators, and the digital simulation game SimCity. In those occasions where you need an interactive way to help your students understand a difficult concept or process a simulation may be the way we meet that need.
Case Studies
Often case studies are the best way to get students engaged in a topic or process. Case studies have been part of the educational fabric for a long time especially in medicine, business and the military. For example, maybe you want your students assume the role of a school councilor dealing with a difficult or possibly dangerous student. The case study provides simulated information gathering from multiple resources and then takes students through the process of accessing the case.
A case study can also include an online journal that students use to write down their findings and then compare to possible answers. This journal is then emailed to the instructor once the case study is completed.
Games
Using professional design tools and processes, NIU eLearning staff create games to engage learners in a broad array of experiences, including academic topics such as political science, research, engineering, and statistics, and more applied topics such as, homeland security and fire and emergency medical response. We also have several reusable games, which can be repurposed with your content.