Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MINT (Module in INteractive Teaching)?
A MINT (Module in INteractive Teaching) is a set of materials that instructors can use for teaching a particular topic. MINTs consist of a priming activity (an IVV) that students do outside of class that can be paired with in-class activities and lessons.
What is an IVV (Interactive Video Vignette)?
Interactive Video Vignettes (IVVs) are online tools that incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies to address known areas of confusion for entering students. Each IVV includes a live- action scenario with undergraduates investigating a biological problem with a realistic experiment that users participate in. Users answer questions, make predictions, collect data and draw conclusions. Branching and reflection of previous answers allows each user to have a personalized experience.
How do I make sure my students really do the IVV assignment?
We suggest giving students a small amount of credit for completing the IVV assignment. Students can print out or screenshot the last page of the IVV and turn it in or email to the Instructor (or Teaching Assistant/Learning Assistant) as evidence of assignment completion. Instructors should tell their students the cumulative time spent on the IVV will be printed on the last page; this encourages students to take their time and not just skip through the pages.
What should I tell my students before they do an IVV assignment?
Instructors should make it clear they expect students to complete the IVV as part of their homework assignment. Instructors should describe the interactive nature of the videos, let students know the approximate time each IVV should take, let students know that the IVVs are captioned (and captioning can be turned on or off) and final page (which can be turned in for credit) will include the cumulative time spent on the IVV.
Can I use an IVV without any of the suggested follow-up material?
You do not have to use the in-class materials that we suggest, but it is important to have some kind of follow-up (class discussion, activities, lessons, etc.). The IVVs are not meant to replace all class discussion or lessons about a particular topic.
What web address should I give my students?
The instruction sheet for each MINT (which you can access through the MINTs menu item at the top of this page) contains a URL for the MINT's IVV that you can email to your students, or post on a website.
Can I put MINTs into my course management system?
You can post assignment documents and IVV links in a course management system.
Yes! There is no charge for downloading MINTs or using the IVVs that are on this site.