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In article <1992Oct3.021940.15215@vax5.cit.cornell.edu>, k8gj@vax5.cit.cornell.edu writes:
> I am looking for information on interactivity in educational multimedia.
> What are the essentials of interactivity for the user?
> Should the interactivity be limited or limitless?
> Should the user be guided or have to discover things without instructions?
> Should interface be intuitive or standardized?

Here's a semi-informed opinion on some of your questions:

The bounds of "interactivity" are limited by your imagination. There is no
"should", there is only "what can I do, that the existing packages don't do?".
"Interactivity" can mean anything from "click here to continue with the next
part" (really boring) to "choose which of the following sequences you want to
see" (semi-boring) to "Here's some raw material, and here's a few things you
can do with it, just by clicking a few buttons. Now make up your own
presentation." (Now you've got me interested.)

As to whether the user should be guided or discover things for herself, the
only guideline is: "What are you trying to achieve?". There are "adventure
games" like "The Manhole", where there is no clear-cut "win or lose" scenario:
the aim is only to explore as much of the game world as you find interesting.
And then there are more structured applications, such as training packages
that aim to instil a proficiency in a specific area. The means you use must
depend on the end you are trying to achieve.

Lawrence D'Oliveiro                       fone: +64-7-856-2889
Computer Services Dept                     fax: +64-7-838-4066
University of Waikato            electric mail: ldo@waikato.ac.nz
Hamilton, New Zealand    37^ 47' 26" S, 175^ 19' 7" E, GMT+13:00
To someone with a hammer and a screwdriver, every problem looks
like a nail with threads.