Learning Technologies & Solutions SP15: MULTIMEDIA

MULTIMEDIA

Representation of computer information through audio, video, and animation is known as Multimedia.Multimedia is the field concerned with the computer-controlled integration with text, graphics, drawings, still and moving images (Video), animation, audio, and any other media where every type of information can be represented, stored, transmitted and processed digitally.Multimedia can arguably be distinguished from traditional motion pictures or movies both by the scale of the production. Multimedia is usually smaller and less expensive and by the possibility of audience interactivity or involvement which, it is usually called interactive multimedia. Interactive elements includes voice command, mouse manipulation, text entry, touch screen, video capture of the user or live participation.Multimedia tends to imply sophistication in both production and presentation than simple text-and-images.

The generic nature of the term multimedia is the range of applications that claim to be multimedia. Existing and planned applications list such diverse target areas as electronic magazines, video--on-demand, patient monitoring systems in hospitals, remote robotic agents, distance learning, and interactive (WAN)distributed virtual reality games. Using some rough categorizations we can sort multimedia applications into the following categories (this list is not exhaustive)Information systems,representation,Entertainment. Information systemsare systems whose main purpose is to provide information to a user (or a group of users). Example application areas are electronic publishing, hospital information systems, navigation and information systems, museums etc.Systems which represent a user at a remote locationwhich can be either active or passive are representation systems. Passive representation is that just receive information about the remote location and the actions taking place there. Active representation can take part in the action and even influence the process at the remote location.conferencing applications, distance learning, remote auctionsetc are some examples of representation.

Entertainment area attracts most of the attention of the general public as a lot of telecommunication and media companies expect that the entertainment market will be the one with the largest audience and also the market which is best suited for the employment of multimedia techniques.Digital television,video on demand are some examples of entertainment.

The use of multimedia offers many advantages:

Enhancement of Text Only Messages: Multimedia enhances text only presentations by adding interesting sounds and compelling visuals.
Improves over Traditional Audio-Video Presentations: Audiences are more attentive to multimedia messages than traditional presentations done with slides or overhead transparencies.
Gains and Holds Attention: People are more interested in multimedia messages which combine the elements of text,audio, graphics and video. Communication research has shown that the combination of communication modes (aural and visual) offers greater understanding and retention of information.
Good for "computer-phobics": Those who are intimidated by computer keyboards and complex instructions are more comfortable with pressing buttons with a mouse or on a screen.
Multimedia is Entertaining as Well as Educational:Increases learning effectiveness,potential in improving personal communications, education and training efforts.