Establishing Multimedia Authoring Skills in Higher Education
                            Glasgow Univ
                           Gordon Doughty

     In 'Multimedia' learning we combine text, graphics, sound,
     animation and video around a computer, controlled by a
     'Hypertext' program, extending the information technology
     methods previously established by interactive learning.
     Multimedia-based interactive learning technology allows
     students to experience a subject from a diverse series of
     angles such that their understanding of the subject is
     multi-dimensional. Apart from providing various perspectives
     in the teaching of a subject, such systems allow the user to
     explore the subject as deeply as needed while the
     incorporation and utilisation of various resources keeps the
     interest level high.



     Exciting though these possibilities are, the techniques for
     authoring multimedia systems are not yet widely known. This
     project intends to deliver a package to train University
     staff in authoring and offering Hypertext/Multimedia
     packages, accompanied by a series of illustrative
     applications. The package could be delivered on CD-ROM,
     together with any necessary video sources and software for
     IBM and Apple Macintosh computers.

     The core package will itself be a multimedia system. It
     will: provide an introduction to the concept of multimedia
     learning, and an outline of the elements involved in it;
     provide guidelines for deciding where Multimedia learning is
     appropriate outline how to estimate costs for equipment,
     materials and time; provide guidelines for designing
     material for Multimedia learning in a wide range of
     university disciplines; provide a guide to the wide range of
     authoring software available, and training in some
     particular items; train in the skills required to author
     Multimedia training/education packages.

     As part of the project we will design illustrative packages
     that could be used for teaching in a wide range of
     disciplines. We will produce detailed plans for packages in
     technology / engineering , languages, public health and
     dentistry. At least one pilot package will be fully
     implemented. The Authoring Package will be tested at Glasgow
     University by colleagues from a wide range of departments
     interested in authoring multimedia
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