Multimedia Tools for Education and Business

Advantages and Disadvantages of Multimedia Tools

I don’t know about you, but I appreciate reading blogs and websites that include multimedia to enhance messaging. There’s something about electronic pages drenched in text that can present a level of resistance to reading; no matter how focused you are or how much you are grasping a concept, the words seem to run together with no end in sight. However, when I am able to access a link on a page or in a paragraph that leads to more details related to my current reading, my attention span magnifies and my understanding is heightened.

Thus, adding multimedia to enhance messaging can make the difference between the reader scanning through the site or actually concentrating on the overall content. While utilizing multimedia tools can assist in attracting visitors and holding their attention, according to one small business writer, doing so can also enhance SEO (search engine optimization) strategies by improving a site’s position and rank, increasing its click-through rate, in addition to greater immersion and support for branding (Poretsky, 2014).

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages. A colleague of writer, Poretsky, states that “Adding multimedia increases the number of codecs and plugins a browser needs to load the page. The number of opportunities for bugs to creep into your site goes up, as well. Multimedia also leaves you open to a third-party problem, such as a video being removed from YouTube, which will leave a blank space in any post in which you have embedded the video (Nield, 2014).”

The Effectiveness of Multimedia Tools

In my research, I found that there are no multimedia techniques more effective than others, as there is no one size that fits all, and every web site or presentation has its own purpose. So, what works for one, may not work for the other. For instance, there are multimedia tools specific to education and helping students learn challenging subject areas such as science. An example of this tool is www.stellarium.org, which is a free open source planetarium for computers that features a realistic sky in 3D. This media tool is one that could be listed in a syllabus and featured on the instructor’s web site for easy access by and interaction with their students.

Another resource for educators is www.animoto.com, an online video maker that allows teachers and students to produce videos for almost anything i.e., research, projects, public service announcements using photos, video clips and music. Here is an example featuring a video produced by 8^th graders on the topic of World War I -- http://youtu.be/ZlYMu8c8waw.

Finally, there is www.imovie.com, supported by MAC and Apple, which allows producers to use audio and video clips to create a movie. This is what I meant by one size not fitting all. This particular application can be a multimedia tool for education and businesses, as shown in this example -- http://youtu.be/dl8XNgtnPuk.

There are a host of applications that can turn your basic web site or presentation into your … WOW! Check out Photostory, Keynote, Glogster, and yes, even PowerPoint for your next electronic project in cyberspace, and do your research to determine the best tool for your needs.

References

Nield, D. (2014). Advantages & disadvantages of using multimedia on web pages. Demand media. Science. Opposing views. Retrieved from http://science.opposingviews.com/advantages-disadvantages-using-multimedia-pages-1215.html.

Poretsky, S. (2014). Advantages & disadvantages of using multimedia on web pages. Demand media. Small  business chron. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-using-multimedia-pages-46642.html.

Blogging Best Practices

As a fun-loving-always-smiling-optimistic-right-brained-creative guru with enduring artistic tendencies in crafting, singing, writing and decorating, I was easily drawn a few years ago to a blog that fancied a variety of greeting cards that fit my eccentric personality. The blog is titled, “Trina Makes Stuff,” but the link reads, “Trina Made This.” 

After frequenting the above mentioned blog, I finally became an official member on my current mission to explore and embrace the concept of blogging. Why follow “Trina Makes Stuff?” Well, join me as I answer this question via an analysis of the form, function and substance of this blog in the areas of writing and information delivery. My opinion is aligned with that of a blogger named only, Martin, who after reviewing a study on communications technology ethics said, “I have come to consider interactivity and the struggle to build human relationships and communities in blogging environments to be core, form-related duties in blogging (Martin, 2005).”

Martin provides several categories in which I believe to be “best practices” for creating and maintaining an effective, ethics-based blog with substance, such is that of “Trina Makes Stuff.” Through her writing, blogger, Trina takes followers on a casual expedition leading to the making of a card. She is very candid in her posts, as if talking to a friend over coffee about the inspiration behind a design or the use of a particular product or source, and at the same time, what happened in her day can also lead to a discussion about a new card design and elements. Trina also has developed a following that shows compassion in her moments of personal despair and challenges. Still, the creativity doesn't miss a beat!

Interactivity
Trina blogs on a regular basis, sometimes weekly or monthly. The year 2012 had the most posts with 126, and already in 2014, she has posted 13 times. However, in her most recent blog, Trina admits that she had not been consistent in updating the blog. It appears that she respects blog etiquette, for instance, by using permalinks to exact blog entries such as titles and labels. And, Trina not only entertains her readers with a conversational writing style and easy-to-follow directions for creating crafty cards, she adds humor and parody in relating images and themes to inspire interest. I failed to mention that “Trina Makes Stuff” also features a list of blogs on which Trina follows and contributes; keeping her trend current, sharing ideas and passing them onto her membership.

Freedom of Expression
The homepage of “Trina Makes Stuff” contains a wall featuring the faces of her member followers representing the ethnicity and ages of primarily women, and the blog appears to not have any record of self-censoring of removing posts or comments once published. Trina welcomes comments, questions and the sharing of information amongst members, and although there is no restriction to access her blog, membership opens engagement with followers via comments.

Transparency
Trina reveals her identity via her complete profile that features an email link to contact her directly, and she conducts YouTube and Google+ demonstrations using her own voice. I did not detect personal affiliations or conflicts of interests listed at “Trina Makes Stuff,” other than being invited to serve in a specifically named challenge or stating the name of a product that could be found via an Internet search. Finally, though not always providing a link, Trina fervently cites all sources referenced in posts, as many of them relate directly to a product or source required for crafting a card. In this sense, she is open and direct in an effort to avoid being mirrored with deception. 


Human Element
“Trina Makes Stuff” is user friendly and considerate of the beginner craftsmen (women) to the most advanced, and posts can be read in a number of international languages, creating a global following. She has established a record of considering the diversity of beliefs and values amongst her membership in order to minimize harm to others when posting. Trina has an entire page dedicated to linking to other blogs, which further assists in holding her accountable for what she posts. Members can always click and check her resources. “Trina Makes Stuff” makes every effort to build relationships with member followers by responding to e-mails and comments as often as possible, even specifically referring to members by name. For instance, a member requested a specific demonstration on “Copic Speed Coloring,” and she responded by actually recording the demonstration on how to color and naming the member in the intro of the post.


I enjoy logging into “Trina Makes Stuff” because this blog teaches me how to experience creativity through the making of life changing cards with character. It has all the fundamentals of a blog adhering to best practices. Take a peek inside; it just might bring out the creativity in you!

Reference

Martin (2005). C.O.B.E. revised: Form-based duties in blog ethics. Blogging ethics. Retrieved from http://blogethics2004.blogspot.com/.

Paterno News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             

January 22, 2012                                                                                                                                                                          

Coach and Philanthropist Paterno Dead at 85

STATE COLLEGE, PA – Joe Paterno, the man revered as the most winningest coach in major college football after leading Penn State to 409 wins in 46 seasons and two national championships, has died. He was 85.

Paterno is said to have been treated for lung cancer, which was diagnosed last November while being monitored for a bronchial illness, and shortly after Penn State's Board of Trustees fired him Nov. 9 in the aftermath of the child sex abuse charges against former assistant Jerry Sandusky. Paterno had since been receiving treatment, and his health began to decline once he broke his pelvis — an injury conceived following a hit in preseason practice last year.

Prior to the official announcement of Paterno’s death, Onward State that covers the Penn State community, led media outlets, including CBSSports.com, The Huffington Post and People.com on a frenzy of erroneous and premature reporting of Joe Paterno’s death on Saturday. National criticism of these media was quick to follow with references to ethical code violations. Onward State retracted its report Saturday once evidence showed Paterno was still alive, and its managing editor, Devon Edwards, resigned from his post.

An article in USA Today reported that Paterno's philanthropy helped mold PSU, stating that “He and his wife and children gave the university $3.5 million in 1998 to endow faculty positions and scholarships and in support of two building projects.”

Paterno is survived by his wife, five children, and 17 grandchildren. In a statement, his family said: "He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

# # #

References

Biography (2014). Joe Paterno biography. Bio. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584#final-days&awesm=~oEopldg9bwSH4B.

CBS News (2012). Ex-Penn State coach Joe Paterno dead at 85. CBSNews.com. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-penn-state-coach-joe-paterno-dead-at-85/.

Carey, J. (2012). Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno dies at 85. USA Today. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2012-01-21/former-penn-state-coach-joe-paterno-dead/52737230/1.

Social Media Tools

TWITTER

https://twitter.com/acanadamusic/status/464592919580901377

My Twitter account is just over a year old. I first started connecting with friends and associates. Then, my jazz performances were elevated to new heights, and Twitter became a way for me to promote and share pictures from my shows with my followers. Little did I know, I was about to learn how Twitter can duplicate itself into masses of people; those with whom we are most and least familiar, alike. After a while, I would post an announcement, then my performance venue would post another, and boom!  Two Tweets were sent out to over 100 tweeters who then, retweeted to their 1,000 followers, who then retweeted the same message to their 10,000 followers. Suddenly, there are tweeters requesting and interested in following me, following my passions, following my interests.

Although, I am still a newbie, I like what I see and am pleased when a minimum of 5-10 tweeters per performance become followers. These numbers are at the bare minimum, but there are other causes and passions that can become massive movements on Twitter, which mimics the voice of the world in the millions. Twitter has proven to be a new social media tool that reaches audiences most effectively.                   

According to the AIDS.gov website, Twitter is a social networking service that allows you to share information, ask questions, and connect with people and organizations around common interests. The Library of Congress digitally archives every public tweet (AIDS.gov, 2014). 

Most fascinating is who is using Twitter; the numbers tell the story.

• 8% of U.S. Internet users use Twitter on a typical day;
• 20.6 million U.S. adults access Twitter at least once a month;
• 24% of Twitter users check tweets several times a day; and
• 177 million tweets are sent every day (AIDS.gov, 2014).

Recently, Twitter played a major role in bringing awareness to the news of 300 school girls having been abducted in Nigeria by terrorists. As a result of Twitter and other social media sites, the story became a global movement within days of the first tweet with the hashtag of #BringBackOurGirls. Twitter is making a difference in how we share news.

MASHUPS

https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=3251+Panthersville+Rd,+Decatur,+GA&daddr=1000+University+Center+Lane,+Lawrenceville,+GA&hl=en&geocode=FdwIAgIdLhr6-ilfiu0fdQD1iDEItSdStN7_6g%3BFVuCBgIdjTL--il7xUYsbL71iDEr7kBc1lhpIA&aq=0&oq=1000+&sll=32.678125,-83.178297&sspn=5.07567,7.064209&vpsrc=0&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=11&layer=c&ei=o0dsU7HII4nAgASzxIDQBQ&pw=2. 

Years ago, I stopped calling for directions and started using www.googlemaps.com to help me get where I needed to go. I used to write down the directions, now I print them out from website, complete with detailed maps showing me how to get there by car, bus, bicycle or via walking. I had no idea this service had another name and is connected to other useful features. Enter ...  MashUps.

Most people think of Google Maps in terms of finding a place or business, or getting directions from one point to another. Others use the satellite images and terrain mapping features. But there are tons of other uses out there for Google maps. From mapping the weather and news to mapping things that aren't maps at all, like paintings or magazines, Google Maps has a lot to offer. And there are free tools available out there for those who want to use the Google Maps API without doing a bunch of coding. Here are more than 100 of the best mashups and tools out there right now (Chapman, 2009).

These mashups and tools can be found in news, weather and political applications such as iMap Weather, and in travel and transportation such as Most Dangerous Roads on Earth. Applications can also be found on subjects concerning climate change, housing and real estate, education and history, and much more.

Mashups is putting millions of people in touch with resources.  According to a Google forum, there are roughly 55 Million unique visitors each month [to Google Maps] in the US (Google Groups, 2010).  That was posted in 2010, so you can only image what the numbers amount to today!  Now that I know there’s more to Google Maps, I’ll be seeking to connect more in the above mentioned areas. 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/gettingstarted/?__req=6l

 

Everyone seems to be on Facebook. I have been a member since 2009, and it has been a journey, from barely signing in, to checking in on a daily basis, if only just to peek and post or like and comment. For privacy reasons, I chose to not link my account to this blog, but post a “getting started” link, instead. 

Facebook has allowed me the opportunity to remain in touch with my family, with alumni, with associates and colleagues, and with my fan base. Over the years, I have learned to use and appreciate it event/calendar feature, which I use to invite my 1,000+ “friends” to my performances, backed by Evite.com.  I also enjoy posting pictures, quotes and scriptures related to family, life, and spirituality.

According to AIDS.org, the number of people using Facebook varies, as seen below:

• 67% of online adults use social networking sites;
• Facebook has one billion active users as of October 2012; and
• 584 million Facebook users log on to the site daily (AIDS.gov, 2014).

Facebook also is being used by businesses, organizations, associations and media to promote and bring about awareness of their brand or product.  Facebook is also known for starting social movements such as in the Travon Martin case, and raising money to assist victims, such as Tripp Halstead, the little boy in Georgia who became disabled after a tree crushed him at his school. 

It is for these reasons and more that Facebook has become a household name. To have a page, or to not have a page -- one has to question their purpose for its use in their life, and find meaning in keeping the account open, if only to peruse and learn about what’s on the minds of their fellowman. 

Closing out this blog, no matter which new social media tool you use or try, do your research to learn about all that fits your lifestyle and serves your needs. Remain open to trying new applications, and don't be surprised to find one designed ... just for you!

References

AIDS.gov (2014). Twitter. New media tools. AIDS.org. Retrieved from http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/twitter/index.html. 

Chapman, C. (2009). Google maps: 100 best tools and mashups. Mashable.com. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2009/01/08/google-maps-mashups-tools/. 

Google Groups (2010). How many people use Google maps? Google Groups. Retrieved from https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/PC2WFMCDc_U.