Nexus Review: Interactive Course Content with Genially

Genially interactive features demo

Developing interactive learning content to improve student engagement

As a learning design student, Genially has transformed how I create interactive learning experiences. It is a powerful tool that can make learning more effective, interesting, and engaging.

My experience using this tool started when Professor Lexie Bryan assigned us a semester-long project to create learning content for the Design Process for Learning Experience course. We were introduced to several platforms, including Genially, a cloud-based platform for developing interactive media. The core characteristic of interactive media is the user’s ability to actively engage with the content and influence the outcome (Jensen, 1998), allowing for more dynamic experiences and extended participation and interaction for learning (Siemieniecka, et.al., 2017).

Genially Key Features

Genially is not part of NYU Software Resources, but you can still utilize its free subscription which includes these interactive features:

1. Interactive Capabilities

   

   Interactive experience with Genially

   1. Interactions

      Take advantage of hotspots, pop-up windows, hover-over labels, click-to-play audio, data visualizations, and many others. Most of these capabilities are drag-and-drop and you do not need to code.

   2. Animations

      Animating content is easy with click triggers and timing. There are also page transitions and color filters to enable powerful visual storytelling.

   3. Rich Media

      Insert images, videos, audio, maps, forms, and other types of content into your design.

   4. Game and Quiz Builder

      Leverage your quiz and assessment with gamification, by creating conventional quizzes, simulations, visual novels, and even escape games with the drag-and-drop, draw-on-the-canvas, animations, and sound effect features.

      
      

2. Pre-built Templates

   

   Genially templates

   Genially comes with over 1400 free and paid ready-made and easy-to-customize designs that include interactions and animations. You simply need to adjust and populate the content.

   
   

3. Collaborative Creation

   

   Collaborative design capabilities

   You can invite others to collaborate on a design and enable real-time co-creation.

   
   

4. Easy Sharing

   

   Genially sharing feature

   Share your design by copying the link. You can share through social media, or embed your design into other platforms like Brightspace or Google Sites.

Using Genially in Your Class

Here is how you can use Genially to enhance student engagement and learning effectiveness in class::

1. Present content

   This is the primary use of the tool, you can provide more interactive learning content such as presentations and infographics for in-person, remote, or asynchronous learning experiences.

2. Formative assessment

   From conventional quizzes to a more elaborate problem-solving experience or even virtual field trips, the tool is suitable to support students’ practice and learning reflection.

3. Creative project

   Enhance students’ learning and creativity by assigning them a project with this tool.

To see an example of Genially in action, check out our Nexus Insights on Supporting Student Success (page 2. Scenarios) and Mayer's 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning (page 1. Universal Multimedia Principles and 2. Specific Multimedia Principles).

Note: Genially is not licensed by NYU. Therefore, faculty members must adhere to guidelines provided by NYU Central regarding the utilization of third-party tools.

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References

1. Jensen, J. F. (1998). ‘Interactivity’ : Tracking a new concept in media and communication studies. Nordicom Review. 19(1). 185–204. Retrieved from https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:norden:org:diva-9686.

2. Siemieniecka, D., Kwiatkowska, W., Majewska, K., & Skibińska, M. (2017). The Potential of Interactive Media and Their Relevance in the Education Process. Psycho-Educational Research Reviews. 6(3). 1 – 10. Retrieved from https://perrjournal.com/index.php/perrjournal/article/view/258.