Multi-audience interactive module pattern: layered explanatory text plus parameter-adjustable simulation¶

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The student modules share a reusable design: an interactive simulation whose physical parameters users can adjust, accompanied by explanatory text layered for different audiences. In the Ting module, "two versions of the detailed explanatory text ... are available for diﬀerent audiences, 1) the general public and 2) undergraduate and graduate students in astronomy." This supports inquiry-based exploration by individuals, group classroom discussion, and use by researchers, with hyperlinks to more advanced material for higher-level learners.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

Written explanatory material must accompany the module, serving as an instruction manual and a pedagogical exercise for the student author.

Constraints¶

Material too specialized for the intended audience should be separated into a distinct web page or an alternate narration track.

Target Learners¶

general public
upper-level undergraduates
graduate students

Target Goals¶

astrophysics concepts such as the Lyman Alpha forest, interstellar medium, molecular clouds, and shocks

Claims¶

The multimedia learning module advantage over the textbook persists on a retention test administered two weeks after the lessons [+M]

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

Nathan E. Sanders, Chris Faesi, Alyssa A. Goodman. (2013). A New Approach to Developing Interactive Software Modules through Graduate Education. https://arxiv.org/abs/1308.1908

Page metadata

Field	Value
`type`	`design`
`id`	`multi-audience-layered-module-pattern`
`title`	`Multi-audience interactive module pattern: layered explanatory text plus parameter-adjustable simulation`
`description`	`The student modules share a reusable design: an interactive simulation whose physical parameters users can adjust, accompanied by explanatory text layered for different audiences.`
`status`	`review`
`generated`	by `process:wiki-ingest` on `2026-09-26`
`trust`	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
`sources`	1 — `nathan-e-sanders-2013`

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