What is Multimedia?

Objectives
 Define multimedia
 Explain the importance of interactivity
 Trace the growth of multimedia
 Objectives (continued)
 Explain why multimedia has become so
successful
 List the major categories of multimedia
titles
 Distinguish between appropriate and
inappropriate uses of multimedia

What is Multimedia? 3
 Chapter Outline
 Definition of multimedia
 The growth of multimedia
 Major categories of multimedia
 Delivering multimedia
 Inappropriate uses of multimedia and
alternatives

What is Multimedia? 4
 Multimedia Definition
Steinmetz and Nahrstedt (1997)

A Multimedia System is characterized by a

computer-controlled, integrated production,
manipulation, presentation, storage and
communication of independent information, which
is encoded at least through a continuous (time-
dependent) and a discrete (time-independent)
medium.
Multimedia Definition
Multimedia--the combination of text, animated
graphics, video, and sound--presents
information in a way that is more interesting
and easier to grasp than text alone. It has
been used for education at all levels, job
training, and games and by the entertainment
industry.( R. J. Flynn and W. H. Tetzlaff,
1998)
(IBM Journal Research and Development
Volume 42, Number 2, 1998, )
Multimedia Definition
Multimedia is the use of a computer to
present and combine text, graphics, audio,
and video with links and tools that let the user
navigate, interact, create and communicate.
(Fred T. Hofstetter, 2001)
 Definition of multimedia
 Computer-based
 Interactive
 Communications process
 Incorporates text, graphics, sound,
animation, and video

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 Computer-based
 The computer makes interaction possible
 The computer must be capable of
incorporating the elements of multimedia
CD-ROM drive
Sound card and speakers
Sufficient speed and processing power

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 Interactivity
 Linearpresentations -- passive users
 Nonlinear presentations -- active users

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 Elements of multimedia
 Text
 Sound
 Animation
 Graphics
 Video

What is Multimedia? 8
 Multimedia Characteristics
1. Seamless integration
Very close interweaving that a discrete character of a
different type of individual media is submerged in the
experience of the multimedia environment.

The integration of all the various media / elements are

so smooth that it cannot be detected by the naked eye.
End users can view the animation or video
presentation while music is played at the background.
 Multimedia Characteristics
2. Digital environment
Each and every media should be transformed into digital
form so as to initiate the ease of use of the media in the
computer. The reasons are:

• Digital is the lingua franca for electronic device /

media
• digital information is the lingua franca of the
information industry
• no serious future in multimedia unless it is also digital
 Multimedia Characteristics
3. Interactive
“Interactivity empowers the end users of your
project by letting them control the content and
flow of information.” (Tay Vaughan 1998)

Multimedia emphasizes using multiple media.

The most important feature of multimedia is the
ability it affords you to interact with media, both
actively controlling what you see and hear and
creating your own media.
 Multimedia Characteristics
4. Non-linear / Non-sequential
A good Multimedia application is non-linear in
transferring information and presentation
delivery. End users can explore quickly while
building their own pathway without being
restricted by the linear format. This method is
effective as compared to the traditional method.

Setbacks ? ? ?
Why is multimedia important ?
Multimedia is highly effective
because
People retain 20 % of what they see, 30%
of what they hear but…
They remember 50% of what they see
and hear and …..
80% of what they see, hear and do
Simultaneously …
Multimedia uses and
applications
Multimedia applications are primarily existing
applications that can be made less expensive or
more effective through the use of multimedia
technology. In addition, new, speculative applications,
like movies on demand, can be created with the
technology. We present here a few of these
applications.
( R. J. Flynn and W. H. Tetzlaff, IBM Journal Research
and Development Volume 42, Number 2, 1998, )
 The growth of multimedia
 Growth in households that own a
multimedia computer
 Growth in CD-ROM titles

What is Multimedia? 9
 Reasons for growth of
multimedia
 Marketing issues
 User issues

What is Multimedia? 10
 Reasons for growth of
multimedia: Marketing
 Decliningprices
 Hype from the computer industry led to:
• Increased production of multimedia hardware
and software
• Trade associations
• Books and magazines on multimedia
• New skill sets for a variety of occupations
 Added value to the personal computer
What is Multimedia? 11
 Reasons for growth of
multimedia: User issues
 User control
 Individualization
 Action

What is Multimedia? 12
 User control
 Empowers and motivates user
 Active learning
 Nonlinear access to materials

What is Multimedia? 13
 Individualization
 Adjustable to different learning styles
 Adjustable levels of difficulty

What is Multimedia? 14
 Action
 Traditional
media are used passively
 Multimedia software is used actively
• Simulations
• User control

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 The Major Categories of
Multimedia
 Entertainment
 Education
 Corporate communications / Business
 Reference
 Training
 Scienceand Technology
 Medicine
What is Multimedia? 16
 Entertainment
 Game developers pioneer new uses of
multimedia
 Multimedia developers add elements to go
beyond games to entertainment
• Storytelling
• Mental challenges
• Sense of accomplishment

What is Multimedia? 17
Entertainment
Areas used
 Cinemas
 Video games
 Interactive videos

Pros: Attractive
Cons: Social Values/Problems
Entertainment
Cinemas
 able to use the morphing techniques

-a comp. graphics techniques in which the

image is transformed into another
- eg. Terminator , Michael Jackson video clip
“black & white”    
Entertainment
 Superimpose
- impose an object onto a different
background
- eg. Cliffhanger – the girl fell from the cliff.
actually into a 35ft stunt bag

Animation
- eg. Jurassic Park , Toy Story , Bugs Life
Entertainment
Video Games
 improved graphics,realistic 3D surround
sound Interactive Movies
 played on multimedia computers
 let the viewer influence how the story unfolds
VR.
Entertainment
The use of comp. to immerse the user into a
simulated experience,so authentic it seems
real. Requires special homework to enhance
the experience
- glove,body snit, head mounted viewing
displays,motion platforms, stationary bicycles
 Education
 Accommodates different learning styles
 Nonlinear presentation
 Motivates learner
 Provides feedback to learner

What is Multimedia? 18
 Education
Areas where multimedia can be used:
 Pre school
 Elementary
 Tertiary education
 Distance learning

What is Multimedia? 18
 Education
Benefits :
 Reduced average learning time
 Increase achievement levels
 Invites learners study
 Provide anywhere and any times

Disadvantage:
 Takes a lot of time to develop
 Infrastructure cost

What is Multimedia? 18
 Education
Reasons to use multimedia :
 Fast
 Consistence
 Private
 Safe
 Stimulate many parts of the brain
 Attractive

What is Multimedia? 18
 Corporate Communications
 Marketing
• Attracts attention
• CD-ROM catalogs and magazines
• Kiosks
• Web sites
 Presentations
• Electronic slide shows
• CD-ROM employee training materials

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 Business
Areas used
 Product demo / presentation
 Advertising
 Shopping

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 Business
Benefits
 attractive presentation
 informative
 better impact
 reach wide range of customers

Disadvantages
 setting up commercial infrastructure
 techno phobia

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 Reference
 Encyclopedias include sounds and videos
 Dictionaries include pronunciations
 Large amounts of information can be stored
on CD-ROMs

What is Multimedia? 20
 Science and Technology
Areas used
 weather forecasting / analysis
 geological study
 homicide / forensic

What is Multimedia? 20
 Science and Technology
Benefits
 more visual information
 could grasp the message conveyed faster
 fast answer / response

Disadvantages
 investment cost
 Machines
 development works

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 Medicine
Areas used
 medical training
 virtual reality
 tele-health & tele-medicine

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 Medicine
Benefits
 attractive
 safe
 reach many people

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 Other Categories of Multimedia
 Edutainment
 Training
 Recreation

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 Delivering Multimedia
 Compact disc
 Kiosk
 Online

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 Inappropriate Use of Multimedia
 Text-intensive content
 Linear content

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 Text-intensive Content
 It’shard to read large amounts of text on a
screen
 Text-intensive titles can be used if:
• Non-linear access is provided
• Supplementary multimedia materials are
provided

What is Multimedia? 24
 Linear Content
 Computers don’t provide a good movie-
watching environment
 Short video clips played under user control
work well

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 Cost-Effective Alternatives
 Developers must consider costs and
development time
 Alternatives
• Transparencies
• Videotapes

What is Multimedia? 26
 Key Terms
• compact disc • multimedia presentation
• edutainment • multimedia title
• individualization • nonlinear
• interactive • online
• Internet • telecommunications
• kiosk • World Wide Web
• multimedia (WWW)

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