As we are discussing interactive websites, it is ideal to first have an understanding of what an interactive website is. An interactive website is a web page that allows its user to actively participate with its interface. This may include clicking links, adding content, "liking" a page, or even playing interactive games. The user is not a passive reader of the web page.
To become more familiar with interactive websites, it may be helpful to first examine a few.
Digital Dialects:
This interactive page supplies games and videos for users who are learning about different languages and cultures from other countries. This site includes audio functions which allows users to hear and repeat words in other languages. There is also an advanced option for older users to continue their learning.
Encyclopaedia Britannica:
This is an interactive encyclopedia, where entries are hyperlinked together to facilitate associative information. However, unlike Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica is not edited by users, and is considered a more authoritative source for information.
The Exploratorium:
This site is an online museum of science and art that facilitates exploration into the human world. It includes videos, games, and interactive pages which are labeled for easy browsing. This website caters to young children with fun games, while also appealing to an adult crowd with more complex topics that are conveyed through means such as photo essays.
FactMonster:
This is a kid-friendly version of an interactive encyclopaedia, where kids can not only find encyclopaedia entries, but also fun facts, almanac information, and school work instructions through videos, links, and moving icons.
Wikipedia:
This is one of the most well known interactive websites. It acts as an interactive encyclopaedia, in which terms are hyperlinked to other encyclopedia pages. In addition, users may edit the content themselves, and as a whole, Wikipedia is a user driven site.
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