Multimedia technology allows concepts to be explained and illustrated in a variety of ways.

Technologies such as Macromedia Flash and streaming video and audio permit material to be viewed again and again, anywhere, any time.

Animations can be used to demonstrate continuous change over time in situations ranging from the building up of graphs to the workings of a machine or the human body.

Video can bring otherwise dry theory to life, eg footage of the collapse of a poorly designed bridge can greatly enhance understanding of the equations describing the failure.

The three main (incompatible) formats for streaming media are Real, QuickTime and Windows Media.

Videoconferencing and teleconferencing allow physically distant learners to communicate and collaborate with instructors and peers, and guest speakers to participate from anywhere in the world.

Lectures may be broadcast (or Webcast) to those unable to attend physically and may be captured and made available for review or for those who could not attend.

At the simplest end of the spectrum the lecturer's commentary may be recorded and added to PowerPoint slides. The slides and sound may be compressed and packaged using Impatica software. The results may then be streamed and are viewable across even a modem connection.

A more sophisticated approach would involve multi-camera photography, a synchronized transcript and board display, and breaks for questions and reflection.

National Instruments LabView software allows remote access to laboratory experiments via a Web browser for both monitoring and control purposes. Thus virtual laboratory access can be granted to distance learners and extended out of hours access to on-campus students. LabView can also be used to build simulated experiments.

See also

Macromedia Flash product home page

Click & Go Video a UK government-funded project. Includes a free guide to aid non-technical and technical individuals through the decisions and processes needed to produce good learning and teaching video that is suitable for broadcasting on the web.

Video Conferencing in Higher Education a report by Dr. Lynne Coventry of the Institute for Computer Based Learning at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.