Winner Application: autoescuela.virtual Developer: Narcea Producciones Multimedia for e-content factory Products Used: Macromedia Flash

You don’t need to understand Spanish to realize how brilliantly this application gets across automobile safety messages. This application blends complex technical interactions with an easy-to-use, visually attractive user interface. The comprehensive curriculum is clear, well designed, and easy to navigate, with a solid instructional use of graphics. The interactive nature of this application draws the learner in to engage with the content, rather than merely read or watch. One especially effective scenario lets users experiment with the effects of alcohol on braking response time: sers are able to test different scenarios and reach logical conclusions. The online glossary is also a plus.

Instructional Design Honorable Mention Application: Center on Congress E-Learning Suite Developer: PerformTech, Inc. for The Center on Congress at Indiana Products Used: Macromedia Flash, Fireworks

This application’s contemporary design makes information accessible, while also encouraging exploration. Thoughtful and creative interactions trigger a deeper thinking process. A key feature allows users to express their opinions, and then see how they compare with those of the general public, as well as decisions made by government. The use of video clips greatly enhances this learning experience.

Creativity Honorable Mention Application: Healthy Living (available as a free trial from the developer's site) Developer: Vector Spark, Inc. for Ontario Elementary Schools Products Used: Macromedia Flash

By engaging students with immersive environments, Vector Spark creates a more involved learning experience. Metrics tools enable teachers to focus more on teaching and less on administration. The added ability to share and exchange information encourages frequent student-teacher communication.

Winner Application: HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa Developer: Medantic Technology, LLC Products Used: Macromedia Flash, Dreamweaver

This application, available in both desktop and Pocket PC handheld versions, boasts a clean and logical design, appropriate use of subtitled audio and animation, and inclusion of diagnostic tests and exercises to reinforce the comprehensive educational material. The inclusion of a PDF-version download link emphasizes the developers’ consideration of all types of users and learning styles. In addition to its well-executed design, the information is presented in the most interesting way possible. Users will feel as though they’ve learned a tremendous amount in a short period of time. The Medantic application is also a great demonstration of “just-enough” learning that can be delivered “just in time” to either a desktop browser or a handheld device. The application exemplifies the benefits of modular reusable content and how it can make e-learning available in different learning and delivery contexts.

Instructional Design Honorable Mention Application: Installation Force Protection (available on CD only) Developer: Innovative Technology Application, Inc. for Joint Chiefs of Staff J-34, Combating Terrorism Products Used: Macromedia Authorware

This series of training applications on CD offers a fascinating approach to fighting terrorism that is well-designed for its target audience. The developers did a fantastic job of going beyond narrow single-action scenarios, and instead provide a broad and deep simulation requiring users to apply both information-gathering and decision-making skills. The high-quality video scenarios engage users who must make decisions based on the information provided. Users later participate in a simulated meeting to learn the results of their decisions. Additional helpful features include note-taking and bookmarking functions. The realistic simulations transfer traditional role-play exercises into distance learning without losing their effectiveness.

Technical Achievement Honorable Mention Application: Global Supply Chain Management Simulation (not available online) Developer: Enspire Learning, Inc. Products Used: Macromedia Flash, Fireworks

This simulation introduces Global Supply Chain Management concepts by putting users in decision-making roles during all phases of a product rollout. An innovative instructional methodology uses a sophisticated game for teaching concepts and problem-solving techniques. The application adapts to the decisions users make, and learners can quickly see if they are on the right track or if they need to make adjustments to their plans. As a simulation, the application has very real practical applications within a fun, game-type interface.