Multimedia CECS 5110

What Is Multimedia? Multimedia is a computer-based interactive communications process that incorporates text, graphics, sound, animation, and video Interactive Key feature of multimedia User determines what content is delivered, when it is delivered and how Non-linear

Multimedia Advantages Engrossing – deep involvement Multi-sensory Creates knowledge connections Individualized Teacher and student creation

Multimedia Disadvantages “Lost in cyberspace” Lack of structure Non-interactive – if one-way, no feedback Text intensive content Complex to create Time consuming Cognitive overload Linear content

Multimedia Growth Marketing Standpoint User Standpoint

Multimedia Growth Marketing Standpoint Computer price 1992 – 1 mil - $2,500 or $1,000 upgrade 1996 – 24 mil - $1,500 or $300 upgrade Multimedia titles 1992 – 5,000 - $100 1996 – 15,000 - $30 Hype - “killer applications” Value added – enhances computer use

Multimedia Growth User Standpoint User control No longer only lectures and/or printed materials Any sequence of the material, any time, anywhere, any modality Individualization Address different learning styles and needs User decides how material is presented: visual, audio, textual Adjusting level of difficulty

Multimedia Growth User Standpoint (cont.) Action Active processes: simulations, acting out a play, testing knowledge and feedback Examples 500 Nations, Grandma and Me , Magic School Bus

Major Categories of Multimedia Titles Entertainment Education Corporate communications Reference

Major Categories of Multimedia Titles Entertainment Games: action and graphics Action + storytelling Physical coordination + mental outwitting Education Accommodates different learning styles: association vs. experimentation; auditory vs. visual Provides feedback, levels of difficulty, evaluates skills, nonlinear presentations

Major Categories of Multimedia Titles Corporate communications (marketing and training) Attract attention to a message Product catalogs, published magazines, touch-screen kiosks, online shopping, … Stockholder's meeting, sales rep pitch, conference speaker, employee orientation and training, …

Major Categories of Multimedia Titles Reference CD: encyclopedias, census data, directories, dictionaries

Delivering Multimedia Compact disc Inexpensive, easy mass produce and distribute Kiosk Computer system to access info, perform transactions or play games Convenience, reduces personnel costs, but expensive maintenance Online Web pages, product advertisement, demos, …

The End