Improvements upon eLearning

As life is one big learning experience, even professional Multimedia eLearning applications creators can learn from their mistakes. Such learning is demonstrated when one observes the differences between the Universal Machine and its predecessor, The Universal Computer.

The Universal Computer was superior to its ancestor in the following usability measurements fro UI design:
Transparency: The Universal Computer's UI shell was much smaller and easier to ignore than the oddly shaped and bulbous UI of the Universal Machine
Visibility: All of the commands for The Universal Computer were in obvious and easy to find places, a grand step up from The Universal Machine
Customization: The Universal Computer allowed users complete control, from where to go, to how fast they wished to progress, to what they wanted to see on the screen. This allowed for much better specificity per user than The Universal Machine

The changes in design brought about the learning of many great lessons. The designers, being more familiar with the multimedia world, were able to take certain things into greater consideration on this project. They were able to more effectively combine many different types of learning devices and strategies than they had previously, which not only improved the program, but also the likelihood of the understanding of its users.

Flash is well used in The Universal Computer. There are many interesting features, from the simple quizzes and evaluations of understanding, to excellently implemented applications which allow for greater understanding and enjoyment.

If the target audience was to be of the age group 9-13, The Universal Computer would be the better choice. Although it is less flashy and more instructive, the ease of use and well developed environment would make it a better learning tool for students who have most likely been exposed to simliar computer experiences.