Chapter 10

1. Chapter 10 Multimedia and the Web

2. Learning Objectives • Describe what multimedia is and some advantages and disadvantages of using it. • Explain the difference between the following multimedia elements: text, graphics, animation, audio, and video. • List several Web-based and non-Web-based multimedia applications.

3. Learning Objectives, cont’d. • Briefly describe the basic steps and principles involved with multimedia and Web site design. • Discuss the various tasks involved with multimedia and Web site development. • Speculate as to the format of multimedia in the future.

4. Overview • This chapter covers: • The elements of multimedia • Common multimedia applications • Design principles of multimedia • Multimedia and Web development

5. What Is Multimedia? • Multimedia refers to any type of application or presentation that uses more than one type of media. • An application is interactive if the user can control the flow or content by using a touch screen, keyboard, or mouse to select options or turn pages.

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Multimedia • Advantages • Can fit a variety of learning styles • More interesting and enjoyable experience • Can be easier to understand • Disadvantages • Cost • Amount of storage space required • Limitations of Web-based multimedia

7. Multimedia Elements:Text • Serif typefaces are typically used for large bodies of text; sans serif typefaces are more commonly used for headings. • Different typefaces can convey widely different feelings and impressions. • Point size should be selected carefully to make sure text is readable while not taking up too much of the screen.

9. Multimedia Elements: Graphics • Graphics are digital representations of images. • Clip art and stock photographs are widely available on CD and on the Web. • Graphic file formats include: • BMP • TIF • GIF • JPEG • PNG

11. Multimedia Elements: Animation • Animation involves a series of graphical images displayed one after another to simulate movement. • Page transitions, animated GIFs, Java applets, Shockwave,and Flash are common types of animation. • Animation can also be added using JavaScript or a programming language.

13. Multimedia Elements: Audio • Audio is sound, such as music, spoken voice, and sound effects. • Audio can be recorded using a microphone or MIDI device, captured from a CD, or downloaded from the Internet. • Common audio formats include: • wav • mp3 • midi • aif • dcr • swf

15. Multimedia Elements: Video • Video usually begins as a continuous stream of visual information; it is broken down into individual frames when recorded. • Can be recorded using standard video camera and then input into computer, or recorded directly into PC or onto digital media using digital video camera. • Common formats include avi, mpeg, mov, and rm.

16. Non-Web-Based Multimedia Applications • Computer-based training • Entertainment • Information kiosks • Business presentations • Reference materials • Virtual reality

17. Web-Based Multimedia Applications • Web-based training • Self-paced instruction • Ability to update material • Immediate feedback • Entertainment • Online games • Distribution of music • Virtual reality • VRML allows Web delivery

18. Basic Design Principles • Applications should be interesting and exciting. • Web site content should be changed on a regular basis. • Navigation should be clear, consistent, and easy to understand. • Web site pages should load quickly, and CD applications should fit on one CD whenever possible.

19. Basic Design Principles, cont’d. • A Web site should work on a variety of PC configurations. Consider carefully: • Features that require a specific browser • Features that require little-used plug-ins • Content wider than a typical browser window • High-bandwidth items

20. Determining the Intended Audience and Objectives • The intended audience will help determine the appearance of the application. • The objectives will help determine the content.

21. Using Flowcharts, Page Layouts, and Storyboards • Flowcharts can be used to describe how pages of the site or application relate to one another. • Page layouts are commonly used to design the appearance of a Web site. • Storyboards are commonly used with multimedia applications to illustrate the appearance and content of each screen in an application.

23. Navigational Design Considerations • A site should be well organized (use the three-mouse-clicks rule). • Larger sites can use a sitemap. • Other navigational tools include: • Drop-down menus • Search boxes • Text- and image-based navigation bars • Frames

24. Access Considerations • Modifications should be made for users with nontraditional PCs, such as: • Mobile devices • Text-only browsers • Screen readers • Federal Web sites need to comply with Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines.

25. Multimedia and Web Site Development • Development process includes three steps: • Creating the multimedia elements • Creating the application or Web site • Testing the site or application

26. Creating the Multimedia Elements • Graphics software • Painting and drawing programs • Image editing programs • Audio and video software • Animation software

28. Creating the Application or Web Site • Multimedia authoring software • Director, Authorware, Toolbook • Web site authoring software • Dreamweaver, HomeSite, GoLive • Storefront software

29. Testing the Site or Application • Test navigation • Test usability • Proofread carefully • Web site considerations: • Browser and computer incompatibility • Download time • Broken links • Stress test

30. The Future of Multimedia • Broadband • Merging TV and multimedia Web sites • Interactive TV and TV on demand • Multimedia capabilities built into: • Internet access devices • Game boxes