Lecturer Jamie Budd (formerly Jamie Berger) is transforming how students engage with her Robotics 101: Computational Linear Algebra course by using IllumiDesk to create interactive lab manuals.
Previously, students relied on a PDF Lab Manual, which required students who wanted extra coding practice to either retype code or juggle multiple screens—a cumbersome and time-consuming process. However, Budd now provides her students with an option that allows them to practice code easily while working on their robotics lab materials. While students can still use the PDF Lab Manual, if desired, Budd also hosts an interactive manual on IllumiDesk. IllumiDesk is a learning management system (LMS), or content platform, that allows educators to create engaging content for students. It makes content creation as easy as possible for the instructor, with customization options designed to engage students.
Budd appreciates the flexible content creation tools that IllumiDesk offers, including the ability to use LaTeX, a typesetting system ideal for creating high-quality documents with complex elements like equations and code snippets, and to embed images and GIFs to make the manual visually stimulating.
“My favorite part [about IllumiDesk] is you can embed images and GIFs… It gives a little dopamine to the students,” Budd shares enthusiastically.
By hosting her interactive manual on IllumiDesk, Budd provides a more streamlined and engaging learning experience when it comes to lab work. This new manual includes instructive text and helpful links, and allows students to run the provided lab code directly within the workbook. Additionally, students can experiment with their own code using the program’s built-in console.
Watch a preview of how Jamie has integrated Interactive Lab Manuals into her Robotics course with the help of IllumiDesk.