Interactive Web Applications
With workers and the public being more media savvy, they tend to expect information that is not only clearly written, but also that is visually interesting and interactive. The Web offers this. Plus it's a cost-effective, efficient way to make information available to large populations.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is recognized for its innovative uses of the Web for both effective worker training and public health communication.
ORISE employs a systematic, user-centered design methodology that includes:
- In-depth discussions with our client about potential users, including how those users are expected to interact with the application.
- A review of the pertinent technical requirements and Web server service requirements, policies, and guidelines
- Wire frames/prototype systems to ensure the design is on track early in the process. ORISE uses a restricted Web site to allow our clients to watch the development progress and perform user/client testing at the best times during development.
- Research and reviews by subject matter experts to ensure the integrity of the information
- Testing for usability and accessibility
- High quality graphic design
- Exercises, activities, and printable resources to reinforce the learning objectives of the product
ORISE’s approach is to keep the focus on the learning experience, minus any distractions that could be caused by the technology. To make this happen, ORISE provides a “computer settings guide” with each technology-based learning program we produce. This user-friendly guide steps the learner through all requisite software and settings prior to beginning the training. All Web-based products are Section 508 compliant as required.
Project Highlights
CDCynergy: A Health Communication Model
Working with the CDC's Office of Communication, ORISE designed and developed CDCynergy 2001, an application that assists health communicators in developing effective health communication plans.
Clinician Training for Mass Casualty Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Events
To educate hospital emergency department clinicians, ORISE worked with the CDC to produce a computer-based training program that emphasizes planning and implementing a medical response to mass casualties in a hospital first-receiver setting.
Cancer Collaborative E-Learning
In developing a creative interactive learning tool, ORISE supports the National Cancer Institute’s mission of developing, implementing, and evaluating cancer education programs for health professionals, cancer victims, and their families.
Interactive Consumer Health CD-Rom
In response to a need for a promotional tool that could be distributed widely at professional and consumer health conferences, this culturally-appropriate, interactive mini-CD provides a tutorial for accessing and searching the National Library of Medicine's online consumer health databases and other health information resources.