University of South Australia

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University of South Australia

• LECTURE FIVE
• Multimedia Authoring Tools

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What is multimedia authoring?

• Multimedia authoring involves the use of
  computer technology to create an integrated
  presentation including text, graphics, video,
  animation and audio.
• True multimedia authoring involves more than
  an entertaining presentation but encourages
  involvement or interactivity from the audience.
• IMM Interactive multimedia
• Interactivity in educational multimedia
  involves students making decisions regarding
  access to information, visual or auditory
  elements which will support their learning.

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Anyone can be a multimedia author!

• There is a notion that multimedia authoring is
  programming this is not the case. Authoring
  involves simply organising a series of objects
  so that they can be shared with others through a
  graphic interface design.This does not involve
  computer language (i.e., Java).
• At the high end there are software developers or
  companies creating business presentation but
  there are also many individuals or students
  creating their own forms of multimedia.

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What are multimedia authoring tools?

• Multimedia authoring tools provide the means to
  create, organise, import and edit the various
  elements of the project.
• The multimedia authoring tools that you will use
  with your students will often be determined by
  their age and ICT experience. This could include
  
• - KidPix, Kidspiration Junior Primary
• - PowerPoint, Keynotes, Word Middle School
• - Hyperstudio, Dreamweaver, ImageReady, Go Live,
  Director, Flash Senior School

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What is a true multimedia authoring software?

• Has editing and organising features
• Has features to enable interactivity
• Has features for integrating hypermedia
• Has ability for cross platform and internet
  delivery
• Has multi-directional navigation and play back
  features

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Specialised multimedia tools

• In addition to multimedia authoring, software
  specialised tools will often be required to
  produce and refine the specific media to be
  included into the presentation.
• i.e. - text based tools
• - graphics tools
• - animation tools
• - audio tools
• - video tools

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Text based tools

• Allows for word processing of large text areas
• Allows imbedding of multimedia elements
• Allows for spell checking, word counting,
  thesaurus etc.
• Enables table formatting, spreadsheets etc.
• Provides pre-built templates

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Graphic tools

• Allows for creating or editing of graphic images
  (pixel or vector)
• Limitless use of colour delivered in various
  forms (i.e., lines, fills, blends, airbrushed
  etc)
• Layering capabilities
• Scalable dimensions (also fonts)
• Multiple undo
• Autotrace capacity
• Drag and drop
• Textural and filter options
• Special effect plug-ins

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Animation tools

• Allows for construction and editing of multiple
  image frames which are rapidly played back
• Allows for the compression of multiple files
  (lossy or lossless)
• Allows option for playback and looping

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Audio tools

• Allows options for speech, sounds and music to be
  recorded
• Allows for the editing and customising of audio
  recordings
• Provides options for suitable file formats
• Provides visual representation of sound

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Video tools

• Provides the option to view and edit video
  footage
• Provides for the enhancement of footage both
  visually and/or with audio
• Provides still picture options
• Allows for compression of video footage files
  (i.e., Quicktime, Real Player)

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Multimedia authoring for the web

• There are a number of commercially available
  software products which are specifically geared
  toward multimedia production for internet use

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Types of multimedia authoring tools

• Essentially authoring tools can be divided into
  three distinct categories in which most
  applications can be placed.
• A. Card or page based tools
• B. Icon based tools
• C. Time based tools

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Card or page based tools

• In these authoring systems, elements are
  organised like pages of a book or a stack of
  cards
• The authoring system lets you link these pages
  into an organised sequence
• They may also allow you to play sound grabs,
  animations or digital videos
• Provides the facility to link objects, text,
  graphics etc.
• Each page may include a programming script which
  is activated by a particular action
• Examples Hypercard, Dreamweaver,
• PowerPoint, HyperStudio, Visual Basic

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Icon based tools

• A series of file icons are created to form a
  library (i.e., graphic images, sounds, movies
  etc.)
• Each icon represents a multimedia tool
• These icons can be dragged to create a flow chart
  of events, tasks and decisions which will occur
  within the production
• This is a low level form of programming but no
  specific computer language is involved
• Least commonly used approach to authoring
  examples Macromedia Authorware, HSC Interactive,
  Quest

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Time based tools

• An authoring system organised along a time line
• Best suited for messages with a beginning and an
  end
• Sequentially organised graphic frames which may
  incorporate additional elements triggered at a
  specific time (i.e. movement, music, sound
  effects)
• Examples Director, After Effects, Flash,
  Producer, Studio

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Presenting the finished multimedia production

• Authoring software should provide the option for
  playback of the completed presentation in various
  formats depending upon its intended use (i.e.
  Internet, CD, DVD, etc) i.e. provides a means of
  converting output to HTML
• Be aware of subtle changes in presentation due to
  changes in cross platform authoring between
  Macintosh and Windows (changes in fonts, colour
  management etc). This should improve over the
  next few years.

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Three features of a good multimedia presentation

• Flexible should provide the option to change
  the content. Inclusions may be quickly changed
  or adapted to a variety of learning styles.
• Up to Date information and media should be
  continually updated to keep the content topical
  and relevant
• Engaging the presentation should be stimulating
  and invite participation. The user should be
  able to take control over the learning situation
  and be encouraged to explore, think and make
  decisions at their own pace.

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Useful software accessories

• The ability to screen-grab or take screen
  shots is particularly useful. This allows you
  to create files which depict all or part of your
  screen. Use built in keyboard options or
  download software (i.e. Snap It, Hypersnap,
  Screenshot Magic)
• Screen Recorder software is also useful to
  record screen activities to a replayable video
  file. These programs are excellent for screen
  demos, animated tutorials
• (i.e., iShow, ZD Softscreen
• recorder, Screen Movie
• recorder)

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Useful multimedia hardware

• In addition to your computer, a number of
  additional pieces of hardware may assist you to
  create or present your multimedia presentation.
• Digital camera
• Digital video camera
• External hard drive
• Microphone and headset
• Computer cam
• Scanner
• Midi keyboard
• Wacom tablet
• Digital projector
• DVD player

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Internet references

• http//www.codepedia.com/1/MultimediaBasics
• http//www.scism.sbu.ac.uk/inmandw/tutorials/hmtoo
  ls/mmqus/hogan/10.HTMquestion2
• http//www.nos.org/htm/it3.htm
• http//www.clearleadinc.com/site/multimedia_author
  ing.html
• http//delivery.acm.org/10.1145/260000/257384/p380
  -rabin.pdf?key1257384key20769252711colldlac
  mCFID15151515CFTOKEN6184618
• http//www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1994/g
  etting_started.html