Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition, Instructors Manual

Chapter 1

Chapter 1
What Is Multimedia?

Learning Objectives
This lesson introduces students to the course and multimedia. At the end of the lesson, the
students will be able to:

Define common multimedia terms such as multimedia, integration, interactive,

HTML, and authoring and qualify various characteristics of multimedia: nonlinear
versus linear content

Describe several different environments in which multimedia might be used, and

several different aspects of multimedia that provide a benefit over other forms of
information presentation

Describe the primary multimedia delivery methodsthe Internet, wireless, CDROM, and DVDas well as cite the history of multimedia and note important
projected changes in the future of multimedia
Estimated Time for Module: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Multimedia has become one of the most powerful presentation mediums of the last
century, although the history of multimedia dates back much further. Today, multimedia
is used for information, education, sales, entertainment, and a variety of other purposes.
This lesson introduces students to multimedia concepts that will be explored throughout
the course.

Preparing for Class

Ideally, this class should be conducted in a computer lab with Internet access as the
exercise in section IV, Delivering Multimedia, of the lesson requires online access. The
project at the end of the lesson also requires online access and a Java-capable Web browser.

Prerequisites for Class

Before coming to class, students should:

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Chapter 1

Obtain a copy of the book, Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition by Tay
Vaughan.

Have read Chapter 1 in this book.

Class Preparation Notes

PowerPoint slides to accompany this lesson plan can be downloaded from the books
Online Learning Center. Extra time has been allotted in this lesson so that you can attend to
administrative matters at the beginning of the course.

General Teaching Tips

This lesson introduces the class to multimedia concepts. To achieve the primary objectives:

Define the basic elements of multimedia.

Describe some of the situations in which multimedia may be used.

Complete the project at the end of the lesson. Although the project is not critical
to the learning objectives, it does force students to evaluate a specific multimedia
presentation and think critically about its design.

Key Terms
authoring tools
bandwidth
browser
burner
CD-ROM
content
convergence
DHTML
digitally manipulated
distributed resource
DVD
environment
font

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Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition, Instructors Manual

Chapter 1

graphical user interface (GUI)

HTML
hypermedia
integrated multimedia
interactive multimedia
ITV
linear
multimedia
multimedia developer
multimedia element
multimedia project
multimedia title
nonlinear
platform
scripting
storyboarding
web site
XML

Lecture Outline
This lesson starts by introducing the course. It then introduces multimedia by defining basic
terms and concepts, and shows students when, where, and how multimedia is often used.
I.

Introduction
A. Introduce self and course.
B. If possible, get to know students.
Teaching Tip
If you have students introduce themselves, take notes on their experience with
multimedia, and note who may already be using multimedia.
C. Cover any course or school policies with which the students must comply.
D. As a multimedia exercise, students can take digital photographs of themselves,
edit them, and insert the photographs and their contact information into a class

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Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition, Instructors Manual

Chapter 1

database or handout using Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, FileMaker, or other

application available in the classroom.
II. What Is Multimedia?
A. Defining multimedia
1.

Multimedia is any combination of text, art, sound, animation, and video

delivered by computer or other electronic or digitally manipulated means.

Discussion Point
The quote by Glenn Ochsenreiter in the students textbook suggests that computerbased multimedia is a creative outlet for people, much like other art forms throughout
human history. Consider having a student read this quote from the text and have
other students comment on this notion. Is computer-based multimedia the next leap
forward for human expression?
2.

Multimedia can take many forms:

a)

Virtual greeting cards

b) Real-time conferencing
c)

Online movies and photo albums

d) Image catalogs
3.

Types of multimedia:
a)

Interactive multimedia
(1) The end user controls delivery of elements.

b) Hypermedia
(1) The end user can navigate between linked elements.
c)

Linear multimedia
(1) The end user sits back and watches the presentation.
(2) A movie is a common type of linear multimedia.

4.

Multimedia is created by multimedia developers.

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Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition, Instructors Manual

5.

Chapter 1

The software vehicle, the messages, and the content constitute a multimedia
project.

6.

The shipped or delivered product to consumers or end user is a multimedia

title.
a)

The multimedia title may be delivered in various forms:

(1) In a box
(2) In a sleeve
(3) Online

7.

Developers create multimedia content using authoring tools.

8.

A project is usually presented to the end user using a graphical user

interface (GUI).

B. Multimedia requirements.
1.

To create multimedia you need:

a)

Creative skills

b) Technology tools
c)

Organizational and business talent

Teaching Tip
The terms defined previouslydevelopers, project, title, authoring tools, GUIwill
be used throughout this course. The language of this course and the textbook rely on
the students understanding of these terms and the concepts behind them.
III. Where to Use Multimedia
A. In business
1.

Training

2.

Online conferencing

3.

Sales and product demonstrations

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Teaching Tip
The sidebar that begins Multimedia is a very effective presentation and sales tool
shows how multimedia is a very effective presentation and sales tool that greatly
increases viewers retention rates.
B. In schools
1.

Visual aids

2.

Self-guided tutorials

Teaching Tip
Figure 1-1 in the textbook shows a selection of instructional videos used for training
emergency medicine specialists.
3. ITV (Interactive TV)
C. At home
Discussion Point
Have students list multimedia devices or programs that they might already have
at home.
1.

Home design and remodeling software

2.

Games

3.

Genealogy software

Teaching Tip
Figure 1-2 in the textbook shows screen shots of genealogy software that lets families
add text, image, sounds, and video clips as they build their family trees.
D. In public places
1.

Information kiosks in grocery stores, hotels, airports, and more

Teaching Tip
Figure 1-3 in the textbook provides a sample of a multimedia presentation designed
for a grocery store kiosk. Note that it provides information on services, special offers,
recipes, tools for building a shopping list, and an in-store reference.

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E. Virtual reality (VR)

1.

VR hardwaregloves, goggles, and other human interfaceslet the user

get inside the experience.

2.

VR requires a great deal of computing power to be realistic.

3.

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is used to create VR

experiences online.

IV. Delivering Multimedia

A. CD-ROMs, DVDs, Flash Drives
1.

Bandwidth
a)

Multimedia requires a great deal of storage and transmission capacity,

also called bandwidth.

2.

About CD-ROMs
a)

CD-ROM stands for compact discread only memory.

(1) The discs are read only because the user cannot delete data or
record new data on them.

b) CD-ROMs usually hold 650MB or 700MB, depending on the media.

(1) Many CD-ROMs can hold up to 80 minutes of audio and video.
Insider Information
Disc (as opposed to disk) is indeed the proper spelling when referring to CDs or
DVDs. CD technology was jointly developed by Philips and Sony and was released to
the public in 1982.
3.

About DVD-ROMs
a)

DVD-ROM stands for Digital Versatile DiscRead Only Memory

(DVD-ROM).

b) Depending on the format, DVDs can hold between 4.7GB and 17.08GB
of information.

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Teaching Tip
CD and DVD technology will be covered in greater detail in Chapter 4.
B. The broadband Internet
1.

The telecommunications network

a)

The global telecommunications network provides a data highway for

transmitting multimedia content.

b) In the U.S.A., many cables that make up the data highway are owned
by railways and pipeline companies.
2.

Uses for the Internet include:

a)

Online book and magazine content

b) Feature-length movies played at home

c)

Live news and weather reports

d) Distance education
e)

Maps, restaurant listings, and other regional guides

Exercise
Have the class visit several Web sites that illustrate the uses of the
telecommunications highway. Prepare a list of the sites that make use of multimedia
content. Recommended sites are listed in the students textbook. A good source for
online maps is http://www.mapquest.com/. Various institutions offer online courses.
You may also direct students to online courses at your own school, or visit the
University of Minnesotas Department of Rhetoric at http://www.rhetoric.umn.edu/.

Project
Instruct students to visit the International Space Station (ISS) Virtual Tour at
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/vrml/station/. Tour the ISS and answer the following
questions:
1.

Enter the Cupola and scroll approximately 90 degrees to the right. Now scroll
down. What do you see?

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Chapter 1

2.

In Node 2, what does the PMA-2 serve as a docking interface to?

3.

The Japanese Experiment Module is named Kibo. What does Kibo mean in
English?
This project takes students on a tour of a well-done multimedia presentation.

Instruct students to tour the ISS with a critical eye toward the overall multimedia
presentation. When debriefing the class on the project, consider asking students for
feedback on elements of the tour that they liked and those that they did not like. Beyond
simple Internet access, the ISS Virtual Tour requires a Java-capable web browser. Check
the ISS Tour URL before class to ensure that it is still accessible to students. If time is
short, download the tour before class and provide it to students offline for this project.
Allow approximately one hour of class time for this project.

Project Solution
Answers for the project questions are:
1.

Enter the Cupola and scroll approximately 90 degrees to the right. Now scroll
down. You should see a computer workstation called The Robotic Workstation.

2.

In Node 2, the PMA-2 serves as a docking interface to the Shuttle Orbiter.

3.

The Japanese Experiment Module is named Kibo, which means Hope in

English.

Chapter Review
This lesson introduced students to this course and to multimedia. Objectives included:

Defining common multimedia terms such as multimedia, integration, interactive,

HTML, and authoring, as well as qualifying various characteristics of multimedia:
nonlinear versus linear content

Describing several different environments in which multimedia might be used, and

several different aspects of multimedia that provide a benefit over other forms of
information presentation

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Multimedia: Making It Work, Eighth Edition, Instructors Manual

Chapter 1

Describing the primary multimedia delivery methodsthe Internet, wireless,

CD-ROM, and DVDas well as citing the history of multimedia and noting
important projected changes in the future of multimedia

Assessment Quiz
Produce a handout and have students answer the following questions.

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Chapter 1

Questions
1.

List one example of a linear multimedia presentation.

2.

How much material can a CD-ROM hold?

3.

When is multimedia appropriate to use?

4.

List three possible uses for multimedia in a business environment.

5.

List two possible uses for multimedia at home.

6.

What is the predominant programming language for presenting material in a

virtual reality format online?

7.

Fill in the blank: The type of multimedia that lets the end user control the delivery
of media elements is called ____________________ multimedia.

8.

Fill in the blank: The people who create multimedia are called multimedia
____________________.

9.

Fill in the blank: When transmitted over the Internet or other networks,
multimedia requires a lot of ____________________.

10.

True or false? Multimedia presentations often include word processing documents

and spreadsheets.

11.

True or false? Multimedia creation is all about creativity and technical skill.
Organizational and business management tasks should be kept away from the
process to ensure they dont stifle creativity.

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Chapter 1

Answers
1.

Examples of linear multimedia presentations include movies, television shows,

and music.

2.

Depending on the format of the media, a CD-ROM can hold 650MB or 74

minutes of material. Some CD-ROMs can hold 700MB or 80 minutes of material.

3.

Multimedia is appropriate whenever a human interface connects a user to

electronic information of any kind.

4.

Uses for multimedia in a business environment include training, sales, product

demonstrations, conferencing, and informational presentations.

5.

Possible uses for multimedia in the home include entertainment, games, and
family records such as genealogy.

6.

The predominant programming language for presenting material in a virtual

reality format online is VRML.

7.

The type of multimedia that lets the end user control the delivery of media
elements is called interactive multimedia.

8.

The people who create multimedia are called multimedia developers.

9.

When transmitted over the Internet or other network, multimedia requires a lot of
bandwidth.

10.

True. Multimedia presentations often include word processing documents and

spreadsheets.

11.

False. Multimedia creation requires creativity and technical skill as well as

business and organizational talents.

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