drag and drop example

Matching and sequencing

Web-based activities which require learners to correctly match objects or text

Samples

Air drilling activity

Provides a guide to stabilising holes before starting drilling

Source Flexible Learning Toolbox, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series7/706/units/air/oper_3.htm
Use Mining and drilling learners
Delivery From the Toolbox site
Customisation This activity 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

Building site

Helps building and construction learners to build a virtual 3D timber framed house using computer software

Source Australian Flexible Learning Framework
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/products/#buildingblocks
Use Building and construction apprentices
Delivery The files needed to install this activity are available from Australian Flexible Learning Framework site
Customisation Not easily customised
Availability http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/productsandservices/buildingblocks.htm

Matching transport hazard sign

Provides learners with options for different workplace hazards

Source Road Transport Safety Matters on the Victorian TAFE Virtual Campus, developed by Swinburne TAFE
URL http://www.tafevc.com.au/default.asp
Use TDTF197A Follow Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
Delivery Available for deployment on a WebCT system. A copy of this course can be delivered on a WebCT platform
Customisation This course was designed to be customised by the end user. All activities in web pages can be easily customised. Some Flash interactions need high level skills for customisation.
Availability This unit is available to Victorian RTOs from the TAFE Virtual Campus. Other states and territories should contact AESharenet.

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Why include matching and sequencing activities?

Matching and sequencing exercises can be both text-based and graphic based. Depending on the software used to develop the activities, multiple correct locations are possible. Matching and sequencing exercises are useful for recall and practice. They are typically used for getting learners to identify parts of a diagram or to construct logical process sequences.

Features

Sequencing questions are used when you want the user to arrange a series of options in a certain order by dragging them with the mouse. Matching exercises are used when you want the learner to match up options that have some specified relationship from two different lists.

  • provide interactive opportunities for learners to check their knowledge
  • often use graphics and are visually attractive
  • often include drag and drop activities to interactively engage the learner.
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Integrating matching and sequencing activities

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

Design steps

  1. Identify a skill or knowledge area which could be practised by matching components or sequencing steps.
  2. Storyboard the structure of the matching activity. What will the learner be required to do? Will they drag text to text, text to diagram, diagram to diagram, type in text? What sort of feedback will they get? Will there be a scoring mechanism?
  3. Decide on the most appropriate software package to develop the matching/sequencing activity.
  4. Create the activity.
  5. Test to ensure that the activity performs correctly in all situations.
  6. Publish the activity to the web (website or to a Learning Management System).

Assessment

Matching and sequencing exercises are probably most effective as a self assessment activity for learners to monitor their progress. These activities can give feedback to the learner and so provide opportunities for further learning.

Generic skills

Learners using the features of a matching and sequencing activity will be developing skills in using technology, while they develop skills in analysing and organising information.

Technical notes

The development of matching and sequencing activities can range from a simple development task accessible to novices to technically complicated developments.

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)
    • matching and sequencing activities (with the Jmatch application)
    • 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. The novice developer can easily create matching exercises using this software.
    http://www.halfbakedsoftware.com/index.php

  • Flash
    Adobe Flash is a popular application for creating interactive multimedia matching and sequencing activities, such as drag and drop. 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. Creating and customising Flash activities may be outside the scope of many teaching practitioners. If you do not have the skills to create or customise Flash activities you will need the help of an experienced Flash developer.

Social bookmark for this strategy

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

Last modified: 15/9/08