3.1 Application of Multimedia Technology

A multimedia technology application is a computer-based interactive application composed of multiple

elements including text, animations, graphics, sound and video.

With the rapid advances in ICT, the use of multimedia technology applications is becoming evident in

various fields.

Figure 3.1 illustrates the different uses of multimedia technology in education, business, media,

medicine and entertainment.

3.1 Application of Multimedia Technology

Multimedia in Education:

Multimedia applications are used widely used in education.

Such applications have been pedagogically effective in enriching and stimulating the teaching-learning

environment.

The effectiveness of multimedia application can be explained using the proverb "Tell me and I forget.

Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."

According to a study conducted by the psychologist J. Bruner, people remember 80% of what they

see and do compared to a remembering only 10% of what they only hear.

Thus, the interactivity of multimedia applications is a key to its good pedagogical performance.

A wide range of educational multimedia applications have been exploited ranging from a simple

animation to complex simulations.

Educational multimedia simulations can be of two types;

Scenarios-based simulations are multimedia applications that are based on audio, video and

graphics. In such applications, students get engaged in particular problem situations with limited

interactivity.

3.1 Application of Multimedia Technology

Knowledge-based multimedia simulations are more complex and interactive. Such applications

adapt to individual student needs. E-tutors are examples of knowledge-based multimedia

simulations that are widely used in education and that are capable to respond to students'

individual needs and queries.

The World Wide Web (WWW) contains massive educational multimedia content that can be searched

and explored by learners in every discipline.

Multimedia in Business:

Multimedia is also widely used in business.

Multimedia applications are usually developed for individual companies.

Employee training can be heavily based on multimedia simulations of equipments, technical and

administrative procedures.

Demos of products using multimedia materials can be used in marketing and sales.

Products can be sold to customers packaged with a multimedia tour demonstrating the main features

and providing interactive tutorials to guide users in performing different activities and tasks using the

product.

3.1 Application of Multimedia Technology

Media and publishing:

Multimedia has been reshaping the media sector offering new ways and forms for information

publishing.

Newspapers, TV, radio and Internet publishing have all been affected by the use of Multimedia tools and

techniques.

The production process of the newspaper was completely transformed and digitized with tools such as

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Window's Office applications.

Online newspapers with rich multimedia content have evolved drastically.

There is also an extensive use of multimedia materials in TV and movie productions.

Multimedia in Entertainment:

The entertainment sector uses multimedia extensively.

Game development has been heavily based on multimedia materials including sounds and animated

graphics.

Games can be adventurous or educational.

3.1 Application of Multimedia Technology

Millions of users are playing online games with rich multimedia content such as Happy Farm and

World of Warcraft.

Multimedia in Medicine:

Multimedia can be used in medical training based on multimedia simulation, e.g. simulating a surgery

or the effect of a disease.

The presentation of the patient's medical records, clinical laboratory test results in a multimedia form

has been used.