It is the most basic element in multimedia and the easiest to use

Multimedia refers to content that uses a combination of different content forms. This contrasts with media that use only rudimentary computer displays such as text-only or traditional forms of printed or hand-produced material. Multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, or interactive content forms.
Multimedia can be recorded and played, displayed, dynamic, interacted with or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices, but can also be part of a live performance. Multimedia devices are electronic media devices used to store and experience multimedia content.
Multimedia is distinguished from mixed media in fine art; by including audio, for example, it has a broader scope. The term “rich media” is synonymous for interactive multimedia. Hypermedia scales up the amount of media content in multimedia application.

History

• The term “MULTIMEDIA” was first used by BOB GOLDSTEIN in July 1996  to promote opening of his light works.
• In 1970s the term  was used to describe presentations consisting of multi-projector slide shows timed to an audio track.
• In 1990s “multimedia” took on its current meaning.
• TAY VAUGHAN declared “Multimedia as combination of text, graphic art, sound, animation and video that is delivered by computer.
• In common usage the term multimedia refers to an electronically delivered  combination of media including video, still images, audio, text, in such a way that can be accessed interactively.

Definition of multimedia

• Multi means many and media means material through which something can be transmitted or send.
• Multimedia combined all the media elements to make the information more effective and attractive.
• such as sound, images, text, animation and video.

For educational technology purposes, multimedia refers to computer based systems that use associative linkages to allow users to navigate and retrieve information stored in a combination of text, sound, graphics, video and other media.

Current definition of multimedia in ICT

• In the field of information and communication and technology, multimedia means more than the use of various media.
• A computer user interact with the computer to perform tasks such as finding information  or play games to develop a skill.
• Thus the meaning of multimedia has changed as technology advanced  in our lives.

Characteristics of multimedia

A Multimedia system has four basic characteristics:

• Multimedia systems must be computer controlled.
• Multimedia systems are integrated.
• The information they handle must be represented digitally.
• The interface to the final presentation of media is usually interactive.

Principles of multimedia design

1. Multimedia principle: Use both graphics and words
2. Contiguity principle: Place related words and graphics together
3. Modality principle: Present words as speech rather than on screen text
4. Redundancy principle: Avoid presenting words as narration and text together
5. Coherence principle: Avoid extraneous sound and pictures
6. Personalization principle: Use conversational style and learning agents
7. Practice principle: Give opportunities for interactions related to authentic events.

Types of multimedia

Categorization of multimedia

Multimedia broadly divided into linear and non linear categories.

1. Linear multimedia: active content progresses often without any navigational control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation.
   The users sit back and watches the presentation.
   The presentation normally plays from the start to end or even loops continually to present the information.
   A movie is the common type of linear multimedia.
2. Non linear multimedia:uses interactivity to control progress as with a video game or self-paced computer based training.
   The users control the delivery of elements to control what and when.
   Users have the ability to move around or follow the different paths through the information presentation.

Components of multimedia

The various components of multimedia are Text, Audio, Graphics, Video and Animation. All these components work together to represent information in an effective and easy manner.

1.Text: Text is the basic element of multimedia. It involves the use of text types, sizes, colours and background colour. In a multimedia application, other media or screen can be linked through the use of text. This is what you call Hypertext. To produce an effective multimedia program there are three things that need to be considered. They are:

• The position of the text on the screen.
• Length of the message
• And legibility of the text.

Text is the most widely used and flexible means of presenting information on screen and conveying ideas. Text is the basis for word processing programs and is still the fundamental information used in many multimedia programs. In fact ,many multimedia applications are based on the conversion of a book to a computerized form. This conversion gives the user immediate access to the text and lets him or her display pop-up windows , which give definitions of certain words.
As a multimedia programmer ,you can choose what font to display text in ,how big (or small) it should be ,and what colour it should be displayed in.By displaying text in more than one format ,the message a multimedia application is trying to portray can be made more understandable.
One type of application ,which many people use every day ,is the Windows Help Engine. This application is a text-based information viewer that makes accessing information related to a certain topic easy.

• Text is the most widely used flexible means of presenting information on screen and conveying ideas.
• Text is an essential aspect of presenting the information.
• Like each element of the multimedia design, effective use of text can either direct  users/readers attention or divert it.

2.Audio: Sound is perhaps the most sensuous element of multimedia. It is meaningful “Speech” in any language from a whisper to a scream. It can provide the listening pleasure of music, the startling accent of special effects, or the ambience of a mood-setting background. How you use the power of sound can make the difference between an ordinary multimedia presentation and a professionally spectacular one A multimedia application may require the use of speech, music and sound effects.
These are called audio or the sound element. There are two basic types of audio or sound: analog and digital audio. The integration of audio sound into a multimedia application can provide the user with information not possible through any other method of communication .Some types of information can’t be conveyed effectively without using sound. It is nearly impossible ,for example ,to provide an accurate textual description of the bear of a heart or the sound of the ocean.

• Multimedia can include files which  contain sounds.
• Audio songs also come under the multimedia.
• Multimedia presentations often have some audio tracks which makes it easier for people to understand.
• Multimedia phones have music players to run audio music.
• Various audio software include VLC Player, media player and real player etc.

3.Video: Videos allow the audience to view actual events instead of just reading about or listening to them. A video is unedited material as had been originally filmed by movie camera or recorded by a video camera. The embedding of video in multimedia application which can incorporate a personal element which other media lack.

• Video enhances, dramatizes and gives impact to your multimedia application.
• The advantage of integrating video into at multimedia presentation is the capacity to effectively convey a great deal of information in the least amount of time.
• Videos vary in quality
•  Videos can be used in:
  CD-ROMS
  Games
  Presentations
  Video simulations
  Videoconferences
  Websites.

4.Pictures: Digital image files appear in many multimedia applications. Digital photographs can display application content or can alternatively form part of a user interface. Interactive elements, such as buttons, often use custom images created by the designers and developers involved in an application. Digital image files use a variety of formats and file extensions. Among the most common are JPEGs and PNGs. Both of these often appear on websites, as the formats allow developers to minimize on file size while maximizing on picture quality. Graphic design software programs such as Photoshop and Paint.NET allow developers to create complex visual effects with digital images.

• Pictures (images)  are two dimensional screen display and as well as a three dimensional.
• Graphs, pie charts, painting etc all comes under images.
• Images are a very useful features of multimedia.
• Multimedia presentation uses pictures or clip-art to make people understand.
• Various file formats of images are jpg, png, gif etc.

5.Animation: Animated components are common within both Web and desktop multimedia applications. Animations can also include interactive effects, allowing users to engage with the animation action using their mouse and keyboard. The most common tool for creating animations on the Web is Adobe Flash, which also facilitates desktop applications. Using Flash, developers can author FLV files, exporting them as SWF movies for deployment to users. Flash also uses Action Script code to achieve animated and interactive effects. Animation refers to moving graphics images. 2-D and 3-D animations are useful in multimedia in the areas of entertainment, education, and training. They can be used to create simplified illustrations of a simulation or dramatization. They can be much easier to understand because they are less complex than video. 2-D animations have smaller file sizes that video files which means quicker loading or downloading of the files. Animation is especially useful for illustrating concepts that involve movement.

• Animations adds visual impact to the multimedia project.
• Animation is the rapid display of  images of 2-D or 3-d artwork to create an illusion of movement.
• The effect is an optical illusion of motion.
• Animations are used in cartoons for scientific visualization.
• Why to use multimedia in the classroom?
• Facilitate and develop a community of learners through online ice break activities.
• Leaning through activities  enhanced by the video and online games.
• Make language and cultural come live.

Why to use multimedia in the classroom?

• Facilitate and develop a community of learners through online ice break activities.
• Leaning through activities enhanced by the video and online games.
• Make language and cultural come live.

Editing software for multimedia

Advantages of multimedia

• Increases learning effectiveness.
• Easy to use.
• Is more appealing over traditional, lecture based  methods.
• Reduces training costs.
• Offers significant potential in improving personal communications, education and training efforts.

Limitations of multimedia

• Time consuming
• Use of multimedia is expensive
• Complex to create
• Non interactive – if one way ,no feedback

Multimedia and Internet aided teaching is effective in improving students’ listening and speaking skills, especially effective for the average or below average students. Several studies revealed that multimedia technology affects both aspects of teaching and learning. Through teaching & learning with multimedia provides higher level of learning in the institution for the students. It empowers the educational process by means of increased interaction between teachers and the students. Multimedia applications engage students and provide learning opportunities like gaining and adding attention, make points clearer, stimulate ,discussion, and in general enhance the learning process, if it also includes the appropriate human elements.

Refences 

• Kumar, K.L. 1996. Educational Technology(1st edition),New Age International (P) Ltd. New Delhi. 89-93.
• Rao, V.K. 2009. Teacher Education (1st edition), APH Publishing Corporation. New Delhi.
• Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (1986). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press .
• www.gmail.com
• www.slideshare.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood
• www.google.co.in

Assignments

1. Discuss how multimedia presentations support skill learning.
2. Through literature survey, brief the impact of multimedia on adult learning and child learning.

What is the most basic element in multimedia?

What is the basic element of multimedia that involves the use of text types sizes colors and background color and other media or screen can be linked through the use of it?

What is multimedia and elements of multimedia?

What are the elements of multimedia presentation?