A new interactive multimedia resource for environmental education was officially launched last Thursday (September 7) at the North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre (NKIEEC).

Animated animal characters and a virtual panorama are among features of the new state-of-the-art educational CD-Rom produced at Central Queensland University.

CQU's Dr Mike Danaher conducted the launch by handing over 100 of the CDs to NKIEEC principal Greg Hossack, for use by students visiting the centre.

Dr Danaher spoke about the content and scope of the CD while demonstrating it on a big screen.

Also at the launch were NKIEEC teachers and teacher educators, NKIEEC staff, CQU Associate Professor Ken Purnell, and a large group of visiting CQU BLM (Primary) students.

Dr Danaher was one of the product's authors, along with Associate Professor Steve Mullins and Aleena Ludke. Technical features were provided by CQU multimedia developer Jamie Meyer.

The CD, entitled 'Aussie Osprey's Inlet Adventure', is the outcome of funding from the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management and is a collaborative project between CQU's School of Humanities and School of Education and Innovation, with support from the NKIEEC.

"The CD is designed for use by Middle School students and fits in with Queensland’s Study of Society and Environment school syllabus," Dr Danaher said.

"The CD allows students to explore the environment and history of Yeppoon Inlet in a colourful and interactive way.

"It contains a mix of historical and contemporary photographs that depict environmental change and continuity.

"It also contains voice-over narrations by a selection of animated animal characters, including the main character, Aussie Osprey.

As students move through the CD, they are asked to answer a number of carefully graded questions, which require written and other forms of responses on the CD itself.

"The CD captures the multi-dimensional aspects of the environment including bio-physical, cultural, social and political perspectives".

Dr Danaher said the CDs will also be distributed to schools in Central Queensland where teachers and students can use them.

Photos: Mike Danaher (left) and Greg Hossack during the launch of 'Aussie Osprey's Inlet Adventure', which also involved CQU Bachelor of Learning Management students visiting North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre.