The various elements of multimedia. Discuss the applications of multimedia in the field of education.

¬ ELEMENTS OF MULTIMEDIA:
Multimedia means multi (many) and media refers to communication/transfer medium. Multimedia is comprised of several elements including text, graphics, sound, video, and animation. Kiosks and CD-ROM applications are excellent vehicles for presenting information with the dynamics of multimedia. Multimedia is characterized by an Audio-Visual interface, which provides an excellent instruction medium for user interactivity.
Following are brief explanations of each multimedia element and how they can be used:

Text:
Text is perhaps the most fundamental element of any multimedia project. Text-based information can also be gathered from resource CDs and the Internet. Words are vital elements of multimedia that can appear in the titles, menus, navigation aids and in the content of a multimedia application or project. It is most essential to use words that have the most precise, legible, powerful meanings and visible size to express what you need to convey..

Hyperlinks:
Hypertext is the organization of information units into connected associations that a user can choose to make. An instance of such an association is called a Hyperlink. When a user clicks on such a cross-link words, images, videos or sound files, more information on the particular topic is displayed. It, therefore, provides the user an option of reading as much information as required.

Graphics:
Graphics can be incorporated into a multimedia project in the form of photographs or designs. Original graphic designs can be created with applications such as Hyper Studio, Movie Works, and Photoshop LE. Generally Image files are compressed to save memory and disk space of computer. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable Network Graphics) are examples of compressed image file.

Animation:
Graphics that contain movement are often referred to as animation. Animation gives visual impact to your multimedia application. Animation files can be downloaded from the Internet in the form of animated GIF files and can be viewed, edited & created with QuickTime Pro, Hyper Studio, and Movie Works. MS PowerPoint is a tool used for creating primitive animations. Visual effects like fly, wipes, dissolves, fades and zooms can be added to any object. You can create complex animations using tools like Director, 3D Studio Max, CompuServe and Shockwave.

Sound:
Sound is used to set the rhythm or a mood in a package. Sound can be added to a multimedia presentation from a variety of sources. Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a communication standard developed in early 1980's for electronic musical instruments and computers.




Video:
Moving images or video can be incorporated into a multimedia project as QuickTime movies. QuickTime Pro, Hyper Studio, and Movie Works can be used with a camcorder or VCR to create and edit QuickTime movies for playback

¬ APPLICATIONS OF MULTIMEDIA IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION:

Multimedia. is a term frequently heard and discussed among educational technologists today. Unless clearly defined, the term can alternately mean a judicious mix of various mass media such as print, audio and video computer-based hardware and software packages produced on a mass scale for sake of better understanding in education.

Multimedia plays a vital role in all the fields of real life.
As compared to traditional 'Stand and Deliver' teaching methodology, training imparted using animated, interactive and instructional multimedia applications has proven to be more useful. Apart from making the subject interesting, it increases information retention and learning capacity of the users. The potential for students of all ages to author as part of a creative educational programme that focuses on achievement of goals and competencies rather than time served, will help educators to shift from teacher to facilitator and mentor. Some applications of multimedia in education are stated below:

Computer encyclopedias have gained considerable popularity in recent years as they allow the user a non-linear navigation of text; user can quickly access the desired topic.

The web can be thought of as a global digital multimedia library. The concept of e-learning or online learning using interactive communication tools has grown tremendously with the popularity of www. It is accessible to a large number of people, can be accessed from anywhere and everywhere and promotes the quality of learning experiences and outcomes.

Multimedia can be used for "stimulating different types of environments used for training purposes. For example: flight attendants can be trained to manage terrorism and security by artificially simulating such an environment.

Libraries, arts and cultural centres, and learner support systems are already using interactive communication tools. Multimedia documents can also be designed to receive information from the reader and subsequently process it to provide individualized solutions. This has added a new dimension to the reading/writing process and the skills involved can be reinforced.