Multimedia Authoring in Education

COURSE OUTLINE 

HANDOUT 1 

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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIMEDIA 

• Multimedia is a representation of information in an attractive and interactive manner with the use of a

combination of text, audio, video, graphics and animation.

•It could also be defined as a computerized method of presenting information combining textual data, audio, visuals (video), graphics and animations.

• Combination of Multiple Media (hardware/software) used for communication of information. Multimedia means more than the use of the various media. A computer user interacts with the computer to perform tasks such as finding information or playing games to develop a skill.

Thus, the meaning of multimedia has changed as technology advances in our

lives. There are five main elements in a complete multimedia

system.

TEXT

• Text - multimedia productions contain some amount of text which could be of various types of fonts and sizes to suit the professional presentation.

Text is the basic element of multimedia. It involves the use of text types, sizes, colours and background colours.

In a multimedia application, other media or screens can be linked through the use of text. This is what

you call Hypertext.

•To produce an effective multimedia

program there are three things that

need to be considered.

•They are:

The position of the text on the screen.

Length of the message

And legibility of the text.

GRAPHIC

• Graphics: these are visual images or designs. there are two types

• Bitmap: taken with a digital camera – not editable

• Vector: drawn on computers-editable

 Graphics make the multimedia application attractive.

 They help to illustrate ideas through still pictures.

There are two types of graphics used: 

-bitmaps (paint graphics)

 -vector (draw graphics).

Bitmap images are real images that can be captured from devices such as cameras or scanners.

Vector graphics are drawn on the computer and only require a small amount of memory.

 Bitmap images are real images that can be

captured from devices such as cameras or

scanners.

Vector graphics are drawn on the computer and

only require a small amount of memory.

AUDIO

•A multimedia application may require the

use of speech, music and sound effects.

•These are called audio or the sound

element.

•There are two basic types of audio or

sound:

•Analog

•Digital audio

Analog audio or sound refers to the original sound signal.

The computer stores the sound in digital form.

Digital audio refers to the digital sampling of the actual sound.

The sound used in

multimedia is digital audio.

VIDEO

• Video- refers to the moving picture, accompanied

by sound

•Video provides a powerful impact in a multimedia program.

•In multimedia applications, digital video is gaining popularity because of the following reasons:

• The digital video files can be stored in any other files in the computer and the quality of the video can still be maintained.

•However, these digital video files are large in size.

•Transferring these files can take a long time especially when using the Internet.

ANIMATION

•Animation- Animation is the process of making a static image look like it is moving.

• Digital animation is used in multimedia.

•Digital animation can be categorised into two broad areas:

•2D (2 Dimension)

•3D (3 Dimension) animations.2D and 3D Animation

STANDARD FILE FORMATS

Each of the five elements mentioned has various standard file formats. file format is a particular way to store information in a computer.

The formats will allow you to make decisions of the type of text, graphics, audio, video and animation to use when developing your own multimedia program.

STANDARD FILE FOR MULTIMEDIA DEVICES

Multimedia Devices

• A multimedia device is computer hardware designed to display, store, record or play multimedia content such as photos, music and videos.

• Examples includes

• smartphones,

• tablets,

• microphones,

• speakers,

• cameras and headphones,

• computers,

• DVD players,

• Projectors, Home Theatres, Television, radio set, game consoles etc.

 Multimedia Software• 

Multimedia software refers to any computer-based

presentation or application software that uses multimedia

elements such as text, graphics, video, animation and

sound.

• Such software engaged students and challenged them thus

encouraging them to think creatively and independently.

• To produce these media elements( movies, sound, text, animation, graphics etc.)

there are various software available.

• Example:

• Photo Finish,

• Animator,

• PhotoShop,

• 3D Studio,

• Corel Draw,

• Sound Blaster,

• Photo Magic,

• Picture Publisher.Importance of Multimedia in Education

Importance of Multimedia in Education

• A good example of an interactive multimedia application is

simulation. Simulation is a computer-based model of real-life

situation.

• Hazardous demonstration and training.

• Students studying engineering colleges use interactive multimedia

presentations to learn the basics of electronics, implement tests and

manipulate the circuits they design on a computer.

• Multimedia applications are used by teachers and lecturers to

convey information such as lecture slides, assessment materials

and other learning resources.• Multimedia applications are tailored to the information needed to the individual because it can be presented in

different ways to engage students with different learning styles

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS TO DEVELOPING MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES AND

USE

• Although holding great promise, multimedia use has not been fully

accepted by all educators.

• opinions vary greatly about the benefits of embracing educational

technology.

• Multimedia Technology is expensive.

• Multimedia development does appear expensive, but the gains of

introducing multimedia can offset costs over time.

• Using technology is difficult.

• becoming easier to use and with the Internet

• be confident to try new things to improve teaching and learning.

• Technology integration is time-consuming.

• It takes time to start out teaching with multimedia

technology,

• Becomes easier when it is routine.

• Technology is hard to control and hamper learning.

• Multimedia technology in school will distract kids and

impede their learning.

BARRIERS TO DEVELOPING MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES AND USE

• For many schools, the dream to use a technology program

is just that - a dream.

• Teachers do not have the time or experience to properly

integrate technology into the classroom.

•Barriers to the developing resource and use in the classroom includes:

• Lack of technology

• Teachers may find it difficult to truly develop and use

multimedia

• Scarcity of time

• Educators must spend hours developing various

multimedia elements,

• gaining familiarity with hardware and software, and

• acquainting themselves with various programs.Barriers to developing multimedia

resource and use

• Inadequate Knowledge and Skills

• Those who did not grow up with computers or the

internet, technology can be a frightening concept.

• Leadership:

• When head teachers are unsupportive or uninformed.

• Teachers are less likely to utilize any type of digital tools.• The teacher’s attitude and belief:

• Multimedia usage is shaped by the teachers’ beliefs.

• Teachers' attitudes about student use of technology can serve as a significant barrier to its integration.

• Resistance to change

•The large class size of students

•Internet connectivity challenges

•More serious in the rural areas.

OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES TO INTEGRATING MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY

INTO CLASSROOM 

•Many of the obstacles seem insurmountable for

the teacher.

• In reality, there are numerous practical ways in which to overcome or circumvent these obstacles.

•This section examines ways in which the teacher can integrate multimedia into the classroom.

• Rotate students and classes in groups :

• If there are a small number of multimedia products and

devices in the school.

• rotate students through them in groups.

• Make use of Shareware and Freeware:

• Often called open-source or user-supported-software

• Can be used for free.

• This helps reduce the cost of developing and use of multimedia in the delivery of lessons.

• Professional Development and Training

• Provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to use multimedia in classroom practice.

• Don't wait to use technology until you are an expert.

• Some teachers avoid using technology because they are afraid that the technology will crash on them during instruction.

• Likely the technology will crash.

• Always have a viable backup plan you can quickly switch to.