Multimedia transcripts

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Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the importance of multimedia in mobile learning Describe best practices relating to the Limiting Use. Describe best practices relating to Format. Describe best practices relating to User Downloads.

Multimedia
Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. Multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactivity content forms. -wikipedia
Multimedia is an important educational tool for mobile learning environments and can be used to: Provide greater depth of instruction through additional links, resources and experiences Personalize the educational environment and reach visual learners Allow students to collaborate, learn from each other and from leading subject matter experts Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in real-world environments

Three best practices

Limiting use
When pages are built with multiple graphics and video the cumulative download time must be considered. It is better carefully consider the use of multimedia and what it adds to the mobile learning. Mobile users will appreciate a streamlined environment that loads fast and doesnt cost them an arm and a leg in additional download charges. Multimedia content should be considered when:

It stimulates a variety of learning intelligences and potentially increases audience and satisfaction. It uses content that cannot be expressed in words/text. It provides options for learners with disabilities It allows Increased collaboration (via video or audio posts)

Format
Multimedia should be rendered in the smallest format possible while considering minimum quality requirements. This ensures quick file download and ease of play. Users quickly become frustrated with potential costs and time when content is slow to download.

User Downloads
Multimedia should be optional in that it must be intentionally downloaded. This will allow users with limited bandwidth to select the content they wish to view. It is also good practice to provide both a description of the content and the size so that the mobile user can gauge value verses time to download and cost.

Examples
Skill Pill Mobile Learning Videos: http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/17/skill-pill-just-in-time-mobile-learning/ Optimizing Web Media for Mobile Learning: http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2010/09/02/optimizing-web-media-for-mobile-learning/ Incorporating Video Clips in Mobile Learning: http://www.videoarts.com/Solutions/Mobile-learning/

Further reading
Multimedia in Mobile Phones The Ongoing Revolution: http://www.ericsson.com/ericsson/corpinfo/publications/review/2004_02/files/2004122.pdf The Value of Multimedia in Learning: http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/thinktank/valuemedia/The_Value_of_Multimedia.pdf Design of Multimedia Learning Objects: http://www.aupress.ca/books/120155/ebook/08_Mohamed_Ally_2009-Article8.pdf Multimedia Interaction with Paper using Mobile Phones: http://www.crc.ricoh.com/files/HOTPAPER_Multimedia_Interaction_with_Paper.pdf

Reflection questions
Reflect on the following questions. Feel free to share your responses by leaving a comment! What value does multimedia add to the learning environment? List three positive experiences that you have had with multimedia in online education? What do these three experiences have in common? List three negative experiences that you have had with multimedia in online education? What do these three experiences have in common?