Higher Education Online

One of the great offerings of technology has to do with that of interactive multimedia. To begin with, multimedia is a form of communication that combines information content and processing. It is also sometimes known as rich media. To further explain, it is also defined by the use of motion. The motion may be self directed, such as that of a ticker tape, or it may require user interaction. It is not uncommon for rich media to be embedded onto a webpage and viewed with the use of a media player. Online schools often rely upon rich media in their curriculum for slideshows, webcasts or other areas where a visual aid can be of benefit.

Nowadays, interactive multimedia is often digitalized and downloaded or streamed. In online learning programs, CBT, or computer based programs often use this type of multimedia for training students on a particular task. It is also known to be used for information resources such as online encyclopedias. The student can watch a sequence of pictures, illustrations or text that is sometimes accompanied by sound or narration. At times, these programs can be interactive, requiring participation on the part of the viewer in order for it to reach its conclusion. With online education programs this can help to draw the student into the lesson or training program and instill greater learning.

In areas of distance learning, rich media becomes a useful tool, especially when it comes to live action streams. Students can view important lectures or speeches in real time, anywhere in the world. On the other hand, when rich media is downloadable, features can then be watched on media players at a later date offline. Both options have proven extremely valuable for online and distance learning. Not only will there be no missing important lectures due to distance, downloadable features can be accessed at any time of the day or night. These easy and convenient options are what continue to make online learning the great success that it is.

As technology progresses, so does the use of interactive multimedia features in online education. Standard interfacing allows for features to be viewed with little or no problem on a number of media players. Its ability to deliver information and invite participation allows students to actively engage in their own learning process. Students who have a hard time with conventional learning environments often enjoy and thrive where rich media is used on a regular basis to educate students. The opportunity to participate exercises a certain amount of control for students, an aspect not commonly found anywhere else during the education process. Many times rich media combines the elements of education and entertainment, bringing yet another whole new aspect to the world of education.

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