Computer-based Media Language Elements Understanding how we communicate through media Stewart.C. (2007). Media: New Ways and Means. John Wiley & Sons: Milton: QLD p30-34

Learning Outcome  Learn what constitutes Computer based media  To understand the elements of Multimedia  By applying the elements of Multimedia we will become critical thinkers when evaluating Computer Based Media

Elements of Computer-based Communication  Text  Images  Audio  Video  Animation Combinations of these elements can create Websites Video Games Interactive Television Disc-based Multimedia Electronic Newspapers Artistic “mindscapes” to capture emotion and experience

Websites  Hypertext Websites mainly consist of a series of menus and documents linked together in a web like structure. The user can access the information by clicking the various menus or links This is known as Hypertext. Each link such as a word, icon, graphic, picture or video is known as hypertext link or hyperlink.

User Interface A user interface is used to help navigate through a website. Hyperlinks are one way of accessing more information, other interfaces range from simple buttons and menus to 3D Goggles and motion sensors like the gaming platform Wii.

Multimedia Elements Multimedia is a term used to describe the use of more than one media element in the creation of a media product. Multimedia allows the user to access information in their own way, interactively. One search could allow the user to use text, video, sound or animation to discover the information they are looking for.

Multimedia Elements There are five main media elements used in computer media Text and Graphics Image Animation Audio Video Interactivity

Structuring Information in a Multimedia Form The power of multimedia and hypertext lies in the way information is linked together. But information must be linked correctly to ensure it is easy to navigate and understand. Websites should be predictable and structured with clear functional and graphical continuity. For example the home page should be the first screen a user sees and should offer a range of options for the user to follow. Content should flow from this page to the next through well sequenced menus and hypertext.

Take a look at these examples do they look easy to navigate? Think about why they would or would not be enjoyable to search???

Here are some examples of what a website organisation model may look like

Analysis Activity  In small groups choose one idea or word to search on your computer.  Select one entry from the search results and follow the link to the website  Within your group discuss the elements of Multimedia you notice and the hyperlinks.  Try drawing a diagram to show the structure of the site, where the links take you