This is the latest version of this eprint.

Abstract

The dissemination of new research knowledge at conferences is commonly facilitated via oral presentations, poster presentations and workshops. Current literature examines the effectiveness of knowledge-transfer within the health field; however no literature examines the effectiveness of the academic poster as a medium for knowledge-transfer. Posters are designed to give a visual representation of an issue that firstly attracts attention, and then conveys an intended message. Therefore, much of the poster’s success as an educational tool relies on the design of the poster. Design layout, including colour schemes, framing of information and readability all influence how effectively the key information can be conveyed to the reader. The characteristics that aim to promote knowledge transfer within ‘traditional’ poster presentation are, paradoxically, also features which may limit its effectiveness. Posters may be visually appealing but provide only limited information on the subject matter. The 'MediaPoster' aims to combine information technology (IT) with a ‘traditional’ poster appearance, thus retaining the static image and at the same time releasing the full interactive potential of the medium. Presented from a laptop base onto either interactive LCD or whiteboard screens, the 'MediaPoster' allows any individual section of a full size digital poster to hold embedded links to supporting and additional information. Viewers can select an area of interest on the poster surface and access a full range of linked documents and imagery which open in a dedicated side area of the screen. The original poster image and information remains unchanged and in full view for others to see. All supporting documents are 'live' and allow open access to figures/tables and other common publishing formats, which open in an enhanced view to aid readability. Authors may enable access to as much or as little supporting data and material as is appropriate, so assigning their own academic 'depth' to the medium. Digital video footage or specialist computer assisted design imagery may be viewed, with optional audio feed available via supplied headphones. In the same way, links may be placed to individual author and institutional resources. Restraints are only relative to the technological capability of the hardware system employed. Feedback to contributing authors on both poster and oral presentations is at best, generally informal. ‘MediaPoster’ permits authors to incorporate a formal evaluation tool by use of questionnaire, website or e-mail access, which may be embedded within the presentation. The technology required for 'MediaPoster' compilation is commonly available within educational institutions. The ‘MediaPoster’ concept has recently been presented at a variety of education, medical research and healthcare conferences. Informal preliminary qualitative evaluation of the concept has been overwhelmingly positive and provided support to further development of the concept. Funding has currently been obtained to further develop the ‘MediaPoster’ concept. A readily adaptable 'MediaPoster' template is currently under development.

Available Versions of this Item

• Innovating professional knowledge-transfer: Academic Poster to ‘MediaPoster’. (deposited 01 Feb 2009 14:01)
  • Innovating professional knowledge-transfer: Academic Poster to ‘MediaPoster’. (deposited 29 Jul 2009 17:17) [Currently Displayed]