It took me a while to get used to this part of the rubric. When I first became involved with software design back in the 1980s (yes, light years ago!), “interactivity” meant that the user could explore the program (there were no websites then) by clicking on buttons or links and using the program in a nonlinear fashion. The buttons led to other screens, additional information, graphics, etc.
In the SciLinks of the 2000s, the concept of interactivity has a tighter focus, beyond pointing and clicking on topics. Many sites are wonderful sources of information with interesting text and graphics, but some do go beyond this to include these interactive functions:
Quizzes Some sites have online quizzes that provide feedback specific to the user’s response in a quiz format, usually multiple choice. Quite frankly, I’d prefer that site developers skip this feature rather than include a poorly designed or trivial quiz. I’d ask whether the quiz helps the user to review the content. I look carefully at what happens if the user is incorrect — sound effects or sarcastic comments are not helpful to the student. Ideally, the site should direct the user to a section in which the topic is discussed further or to an explanation as to why a response was correct or incorrect. Some sites add up and display the number of items correct. Plant Parts Salad reviews the parts of vascular plants.
The Life Cycle of a Moss tutorial finishes with a brief quiz.
Simulations These are often animations depicting a real situation. Or they can include graphics that resemble a sort of calculator. In any case, the user does more than simply start and stop an animation or video. The user manipulates objects or enters values for variables, and feedback is provided in terms of calculations or further animations showing the results. For example, the site Harmonic Motion uses descriptive animations, followed by simple simulations in which the user can change speed, force, and/or other variables.
Datasets Although SciLinks sites can be a rich source of information, true datasets are not very common in SciLinks sites. These datasets are more than just lists of facts or graphics. The user can manipulate, search, sort, copy/paste, or export data. Earthquake Center has a wealth of current data on seismic activity and a list of recent and historic earthquakes with descriptions, maps, and graphics.
I’ve used some of these interactive sites with students, displaying the sites on a screen (or SmartBoard), especially the simulations. Working in groups, the students come up with how they want to change the variables. It’s interesting to ask for their predictions as to what will happen. If your favorite interactive site is not in SciLinks yet, send the URL!