Increasing student engagement in online environments using multimedia flash presentations

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to increasing student engagement in online environments using multimedia flash presentations. Such presentations can be used to provide context to assist with student motivation (e.g. practical applications, news / current affairs, industry case studies), as well as an active learning environment, both of which are vital for student engagement, and hence student learning experiences and outcomes. The approach is illustrated for the level 2 course Environmental Engineering II in the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Surveys show that in excess of 80% of students believe the use of the flash presentations is more enjoyable and provides information in a more realistic context.