More information

More details are available in the following reports, conference papers, manual, or from the author:

Ramosus: a tool for online scenario-based learning

MacKay, B.R. 2007.
Ramosus (L. full of branches; branching) combines an online authoring and student tracking system with an active learning tool to encourage deep learning and create a potent educational online environment. [more »]

Interactive case studies on the internet: the Ramosus maze tool.

MacKay, B.R., Fisher, P.A. 2004. Acta Horticulturae 672:217-225.
A widespread failing of many online university courses is that they replicate passive and traditional pedagogical methods in an online environment. Without the opportunity to participate and interact with case studies and problem-solving activities, learners will not engage with online content resulting in poor learning outcomes... [more » pdf file (36 KB)]

Interactive case studies in horticultural science.

MacKay, B.R. 2005. Ann. Conf. Case Study Teaching in Science, Buffalo, New York.
A web-based application has been developed to deliver case-based teaching to distance and campus-based students, and for industry-level extension activities. Flexible presentation modes allow the case study resources to be used in teacher-facilitated classroom discussions, online tutorials, and for independent student self-review and learning. [more » pdf file (249 KB)]

Subjective cognitive workload, interactivity and feedback in a web-based writing program

Emerson, L., MacKay, B.R. 2006. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice 3(1):1-14.
This investigation compares and analyses the experiences and subjective cognitive workload of students undertaking a lesson on an aspect of micro-level writing skills in a web-based and paper-based version. Both versions of the lesson were based on the principles of interactive learning,...[more » pdf file (327 KB)]

Ramosus: the manual

The current version of the manual for using Ramosus is available for download. [more » pdf file (2.6 MB)]

Ramosus: the author

Dr Bruce MacKay
Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University
Tel. +64 6 356 9099 ext. 4423, Fax. +64 6 350 5610, b.mackay@massey.ac.nz