Multimedia: The Distant Classroom: Hardware, Software, and Administrative Considerations

Abstract

The introduction of new technology into everyday use is a slow and gradual process. Faculty members may wonder why it is necessary to change and are bewildered by phrases such as learner-centered, distance education, subject-matter expert, and interactive video. Yet, increased faculty participation in the new technologies is a prerequisite for the successful pedagogical implementation of new methods. As a new generation of students enters the university system, as more adult learners demand continuing education, and as the needs of minority students are recognized, new teaching methods are necessary as universities everywhere face cost-cutting measures. This paper describes an approach by one university designed to encourage the "subject-matter expert," such as a faculty member, to prepare interactive distance-education materials for dissemination via video tape, TV (satellite or microwave), CD-ROM, and the Internet. The intent is to provide interesting, educational, interactive materials and at the same time minimize the effort typically involved in producing distance-education materials. Keywords multimedia, audio, motion video, video capture, automation, visualization, computerized research, software linkages, graphics, charting graphics, authoring, computer-based presentations, hyperlinking, Internet, World Wide Web.