What Is Multimedia?

CECS 5110

What Is Multimedia?

Multimedia is a computer-based interactive communications process that incorporates text, graphics, sound, animation, and video

InteractiveKey feature of multimediaUser determines what content is delivered,

when it is delivered and how

Non-linear

Computer-based Multimedia

2 or more media Computer multimedia

Multi-sensory experience – real world Multi-sensory memory imprints Different learning styles benefit

Hypertext - links

Hypermedia - hypermedia ware

Hypermedia

Based on cognitive theories of how people structure knowledge and how they learn

Links to navigate Non-sequential navigation

Hypermedia Applications

Instructional courseware Appropriately introduced Follow-up activities

Teacher and students’ own creations

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 GrowthMarketing 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 GrowthUser Standpoint

User controlNo longer only lectures and/or printed materialsAny sequence of the material, any time,

anywhere, any modality

IndividualizationAddress different learning styles and needsUser decides how material is presented:

visual, audio, textualAdjusting level of difficulty

Multimedia GrowthUser Standpoint (cont.)

Action Active processes: simulations, acting out a play,

testing knowledge and feedback

Examples500 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 messageProduct 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

ReferenceCD: 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

University of North TexasDr. Vicky Cereijo