Using Multimedia Images for Teaching, Learning and Training in Chemistry, On Site and At A Distance Tony Rest University of Southampton

Outline Background Finding Images Making Images Customising Images Conclusions Further information e.g. www addresses

Chemistry Courses Comprise: Theory Experiences of chemical reactions and processes Hands-on practical work Applications

Images Provide: Support for theory Experiences of reactions and industrial processes Training in safe handling and good experimental techniques Motivation to study

“Live” Images: Advantage – reality of experiences for students Disadvantages – limited range of material can be shown; –problems with setting up; –unpredictability of experiments; –cannot be replayed

“Recorded” Images: Advantages –can be seen many times by students in a wide variety of contexts; –wider variety of material; –less setting up problems Disadvantages – “remote” from students; –can be regarded as “entertainment” 12345

Finding Images Internet –wide range of possibilities; –difficult to find specific information; –poor picture quality Databases –concentrated information; –easily searchable; –readily updated, e.g “Chemistry Images” on www (Royal Society of Chemistry) and CD ROM (British Universities Film and Video Council)

Making Images “In-House –Inexpensive –Can be tailored to exact course content –Often duplicates material already made elsewhere “Out-of-House” –More expensive but higher quality –Generic –Can be tailored to national needs –Limits wastage through not “re-inventing wheels”

Customising Images Why? –Few resources exactly meet desired need; –Different levels of explanation required; –Not adapted to different user groups, e.g. disabled students How? –Capture of images (stills, animations, VHS tapes and laser discs; video and audio) and compression (MPEG, AVI); –Mixing with text and graphics (course management software); –Compilation of final product

Customising Images Practical Aspects? –PCs have standard video and sound cards; –Software readily available, e.g. “Toolbook”, “Authorware”, “MacroMedia Director”; –Structured programmes for beginners; –Images exist which can be used on a local basis with copyright permission; –Can be easily customised to future platforms, e.g. DVD 1

Conclusions Cost savings can be achieved through re- cycling materials “Re-inventing wheels” can be minimised Ready availability of PCs in institutions and at home means that the time is right for expansion in this type of teaching learning and training Considerable scope for exchange of technical experience, skills and resources International goodwill exists for collaborative projects

Further Information “Chemistry Images” Database and “Practical Laboratory Chemistry” CD ROMS SOCRATES ODL Project “Multimedia Resources for Chemistry” Chemistry Video Consortium Project