Scenario Based Learning Interactive SBLi Software for creating

Scenario Based Learning Interactive (SBLi) Software for creating interactive e-Learning scenarios

What is SBL Interactive (SBLi)? An authoring tool (builder) that enables you to build multimedia scenarios easily A client-based player to deliver scenarios locally (on CD or via a local network) A server-based player and scenario manager to deliver scenarios over the web www. sblinteractive. org

What does SBLi do? Enables teachers/educators/trainers to develop engaging multimedia scenarios Based on Problem Based Learning • Challenges students to learn through engagement in a project or problem • Develops problem solving skills through case studies www. sblinteractive. org

What is Problem Based Learning? “The principal idea behind PBL is that students’ learning should be based on carefully designed problems that demand from the learner: acquisition of critical knowledge; problem solving proficiency; self-directed learning strategies and team participation skills. ” … PBL “replicates the commonly used systemic approach to resolving problems or meeting challenges that are encountered in life and career” (Barrows and Kelson: http: //www. mcli. dist. maricopa. edu/pbl/info. html) www. sblinteractive. org

Good PBL scenarios Should encourage students to decide their own ways of defining, analysing, researching and solving the problem Present as many “real-life” possibilities as are feasible, including “red herrings” which may send students on a path which may not be fruitful Depending on the field of study and the specific problem context, there may be no single right answer, so all paths may be valid and all outcomes realistic Validity of the process is often a major goal of PBL www. sblinteractive. org

Origins of SBLi Agricultural Problem Based Learning tool developed with Massey University (NZ) over 12 years ago.

SBLi software An authoring tool for building multimedia scenarios easily For delivering scenarios locally (on CD or via a local network) For delivering scenarios over the web

The four SBLi Windows Player mode Location Window Environment Window Actions & Collections Window Content Window 8

The SBLi Scenario Builder Construct scenario using tool bars and panel Panel Tool bar 9

What topics can SBLi scenarios address? There is no limit. SBLi scenarios have already been developed in the following disciplines Agriculture, Horticulture Genetics Architecture & Building Health – Nursing, Medicine Creative Arts Veterinary Science Commerce Hospitality and Catering Earth Science Information Technology Education Social Work Engineering Law Environmental Management and more. . . 10

Who is using SBLi? SBLi scenarios have been or are being developed specifically for High school students - BSDE, Corinda, Toowong, NSW, ACT Canberra Undergraduates - number of universities in Australia and overseas (including NZ, UK, Canada, Japan) Undergraduate text book users – linked to text book purchase In-house staff training (Qld NRW) Professional, in-service training – Legal Services Commission www. sblinteractive. org

Some scenario examples – Moreton Bay marine field course 2 nd year Marine Science (UQ) Engineers without Borders 1 st year undergraduate engineering (National) Series of genetics modules Life science undergraduates (Manchester University, UK)

MORETON BAY MARINE FIELD COURSE 1 2 nd year Marine Science (UQ) Moreton Bay marine field course 2 nd year Marine Science (The University of Queensland) The prestigious ASCILITE award was presented for the ‘Habitat Change in Moreton Bay, A Field Study for Marine Scientists’ scenario authored by Associate Professor Catherine Lovelock. Featured on our SBLi Homepage. –

MORETON BAY MARINE FIELD COURSE 1 2 nd year Marine Science (UQ)

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS 2 1 st year undergraduate engineering (National)

3 Life science undergraduates (Manchester University, UK) SERIES OF GENETICS MODULES Chocolate Monster

SERIES OF GENETICS MODULES 3 Life science undergraduates (Manchester University, UK)

SBL Interactive Server

The benefits of SBLi Easy to build & modify scenarios, no programming skills required Interactive – requires active involvement, responses and decision making by students Provides virtual “real-world” experiences Integrates components within and across disciplines Enables interactive testing and feedback Develops students’ problem solving skills Flexible delivery of scenarios – in class, via CD or online www. sblinteractive. org

What about future sustainability? The SBLi platform is designed generically, making it easier to upgrade the software to utilise new technologies SBLi has an “Export scenario schema” function and most content is in HTML so that scenarios can be readily extracted from SBLi and used on other platforms SBLi use at UQ is developing expertise and approaches that will support a scenario based learning strategy, whatever the technology We are working with other institutions to create a community of practice for sharing experiences and content A library of images, logos and scenarios is being planned that can be accessed and shared within and between institutions www. sblinteractive. org