image of matching

Label and identify diagrams

Visual matching activities for learning or assessment

Samples

Parts of a microscope

Learners are asked to label the parts of a microscope

Source PML99 Laboratory Operations Toolbox, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
URL http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/series4/412.htm
Use PML50199 Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Delivery Adobe Flash player and website or learning management system for distribution
Customisation The drag and drop interaction is constructed in Adobe Flash. You would need to have access to someone with skills in Flash to make modifications to this interaction.
Availability Details of how to purchase this Toolbox are available on the Flexible Learning Toolbox site

Select Fabric

Learners guess the fibre blend used in each garment by engaging with the Fabric “Stretch O Meter”

Source Fashion - Clothing Production Toolbox, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series5/515/pages/units/cut1/act1/f_set.htm
Use Fashion Students
Delivery Easy to access and use in delivery
Customisation The material in this Toolbox has been developed to allow for customisation. This diagram is constructed in Adobe Flash. You would need to have access to someone with skills in Flash to make modifications to this interaction.
Availability Details of how to purchase this Toolbox are available on the Flexible Learning Toolbox site

Lenses

Diagram shows the angle of view of photographic lenses then uses a demonstration to explain focal length.

Source Animation Toolbox, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series4/405/tour/hp/sc_hp5.htm from the Head of Photography content at http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series4/405/tour/hp/_s_hp.htm
Use Media Students
Delivery Easy to access and use in delivery
Customisation The material in this Toolbox has been developed to allow for customisation. This diagram is constructed in Adobe Flash. You would need to have access to someone with skills in Flash to make modifications to this interaction.
Availability Details of how to purchase this Toolbox are available on the Flexible Learning Toolbox site

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Why include labelling?

Labelling activities are often used for recall and to apply knowledge. They provide useful feedback to both the learner and the teacher on the extent of integration of learning content.

Features

Labelling activities can

  • provide interactive opportunities for learners to check their understanding
  • provide information in visual format
  • provide feedback on correct and incorrect choices.
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Integrating labelling

Labelling activities are most likely to be used within a larger learning sequence where learners are required to recall and practise knowledge or skills learnt.

Design steps

  1. Identify a visual which learners need to be able to label (tools, workspaces, maps, diagrams).
  2. Storyboard the structure of the labelling activity. What will the learner be required to do? Will they drag the labels or type them in? If they type will alternative spellings be accepted? What sort of feedback will they get for both correct and incorrect choices? Will there be a scoring mechanism?
  3. Decide on the most appropriate software package to develop the labelling activity.
  4. Create the activity.
  5. Test to ensure that the activity performs correctly in all circumstances.
  6. Publish the activity to the web (website or within a Learning Management System).

Assessment

Labelling activities are probably most effective as a self assessment activity for learners to monitor their progress. The activity can give feedback to the learner and provide opportunities for further learning. Labelling activities are also often used within computer marked quizzes to test knowledge for summative purposes.

Generic skills

Learners completing labelling activities will be developing skills in using technology and organising information.

Technical notes

The development of labelling activities can range from a simple activity accessible to novices to technically complicated developments.

If you are engaging a consultant to develop these activities for your training inform them of the assessment criteria indicators by which you will assess to evaluate learner progress and performance. Make sure your consultant can develop your learning interaction so that it can capture, track and report these to you in a format that is appropriate.

Skills

Design and mapping skills for storyboarding the final product.

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See also

From the Framework

More resources from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

Tools and resources

  • Hot Potatoes
    Hot Potatoes is a software tool that creates online interactive exercises, such as:
    • quizzes (true/false, multiple choice)
    • drag and drop activities (labelling) crosswords
    • cloze activities.

    The final product is a web page that can then be incorporated into any online product or emailed to recipients. HotPotatoes is free for educational use. Some restrictions apply. If you are a novice developer you can easily create simple labelling exercises using this software.
    http://www.halfbakedsoftware.com/index.php

  • Flash
     Adobe Flash is a popular application for creating interactive multimedia activities, such as labelling diagrams. It creates small files that are readily downloaded. The majority of current web users (more than 97%) have the ability to view Flash via the free Flash player.
    The Flash authoring tool requires very specific skills and often requires a dedicated multimedia developer to create effective interactive exercises. For this reason, creating and customising Flash activities may be outside the scope of many teaching practitioners. You may need to storyboard your ideas and then commission the development.

Social bookmark for this strategy

http://del.icio.us/designelearn/label_diagrams

Last modified: 11/6/08