THE APPLICATION OF MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY TO EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES
This research examines the application of multimedia technology to educational and training activities. This examination proceeds from a consideration of the relationship at a general level between multimedia technology, learning, and training. Specific applications of multimedia to educational and training activities are then reviewed.
Multimedia mixes together the functions of different technologies (Dahmer, 1993, pp. 46 55). Multimedia has the capability to combine text, graphics, sounds, still photography, and motion pictures in a smooth and seamless presentation of training programs and other forms of information. Computer and laser disk technologies are integrated in multimedia (Smith, 1992, pp. 50, 59). An especially effective form of multimedia for use in training activities is digital multimedia (Fritz, 1991, p. 103). Digital multimedia combines the advantages of full screen, full motion, video cassette recorder quality video and audio on a personal computer. Training through the application of digital multimedia is enhanced for the following reasons (Fritz, 1991, p. 103):
1. Training can be embedded within applications not only to teach users specific function, but also to serve as an interactive, hands on help facility.
2. Course materials are relatively easy to develop and maintain.
3. Applications can be networked or distributed to remote sites.
Multimedia works better in some types of training situations than it does in others (Fritz, 1991, p. 103). Abstract concepts, as an example, are frequently learned more efficiently through applications other than multimedia. The use of multimedia in training is most effective in the demonstration of how to perform specific and complex functions, and in relation to activities involving human subjects, such a high level health care. Additionally, a small learning curve effec...