March 5, 2020
Teaching graphic design theory through eLearning using Captivate
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March 5, 2020
Teaching graphic design theory through eLearning using Captivate
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The Research Project

Based on my experience as a graphic design teacher, one of the difficulties that I experience when teaching in class is keeping my students interested when discussing graphic design theories. Most students seem to be more excited on a more practical class like Photoshop manipulation and Adobe Illustrator drawing than the usual long lectures and discussion of design theories such as principles of design and colour theory. I find this to be a problem, as I believe that to be successful designer, one must possess both the technical skills and conceptual skills. When I got the chance to pursue my Masters degree, I took the opportunity to attempt and solve this dilemma by using it as my research project.

My Masters project is entitled “Teaching design principles interactively and visually through contemporary web technologies and animation”.

eLearning Solution

The project aims to design and develop a website that will make learning graphic design theory and principles simpler, more interesting, and more effective. The website is called ‘Let’s Gestalted’ derived from the Gestalt design principles which the website will teach.  This website can be used not only by students but also by lecturers who teach graphic design. My main reason of choosing this concept for the project is so that I can use it myself in my classes. I am aiming to make the class more enjoyable, practical, and interactive for my students.

The website project aims to be a better alternative to a traditional classroom teaching that are usually lecture-heavy, teacher-centered, passive, and boring for a visual graphic design student. The website also aims to be effectively used in a flipped-classroom which is more active, engaging and student-centered than a traditional classroom set-up. In a flipped classroom, what used to be classwork (lecture) is done at home via teacher-created videos and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class. The website can also be used by the student to catch up on his own during his own time in an event of not be able to come to the class.

Adobe Captivate

At the beginning I was planning to code the website myself from scratch as I have a background in web development. Thankfully, my research has brought me to Adobe Captivate which has made my development of the e-learning website more efficiently and I was able to save time. Below are the main Captivate features implemented in the project that I want to highlight:

  • SVG graphics- I was able to maintain clear vector graphics for buttons and images
  • HTML5 and Responsive layout- Learners can access the website in any modern device and browser.
  • Custom variables and scripts- allowed me to use my own graphics as interactive buttons; enables advanced logic behind the questions with if-else statement and button behaviors.
  • Drag-and-drop- This is the feature I used the most in the questions. It makes questions more interactive and engaging
  • Quiz system- allows me to have both graded exam and ungraded knowledge checks
  • Text-to-speech- Easy implementation of voice over

The Demo (rough progress)

I have managed to put together a rough prototype of the eLearning website and I have recorded a demo video included in this blog. Although not completed, this demo video should show the progress and main idea of the project. The final product after the revisions will be tested to students as part of the research. I will appreciated any constructive feedback. Thanks in advance.

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Link to video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g_6X5tazaZYbHtpmqWUXParHQUv335mM/view?usp=sharing

2 Comments
2020-05-15 20:17:13
2020-05-15 20:17:13

I love this! This is fantastic! I have been thinking of getting Captivate to help teach my graphic design classes. How long did it take to create this demo video?

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2020-03-07 21:08:38
2020-03-07 21:08:38

Hi jobertg90609602

Thank you for sharing this post with us. I see the video. Look forward to see more 🙂

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