Multimedia and Evaluation of CALL software

By Yefi P. Telaumbanua

02063

Types of Multimedia and MPC

Multimedia refers to computer-based materials designed to be used on a computer that can display and print text and high-quality graphics, play pre-recorded audio and video material, and create new audio and video recordings." (Davies 2004).

Ex: video, image, audio.

Type of multimedia

• Web-based multimedia• Multimedia on CD-ROM or DVD-

ROM

MPC (multimedia personal computer) is a minimum specification for a PC-compatible computer configuration that makes the PC

suitable for use with multimedia CD-ROM disks. The specification defines the type of processor and screen, the amount of memory and disk

capacity, and the relevant peripherals (CD-ROM drive, sound card, and loudspeakers)

together with supporting software.

Currently there are two versions of the specification:

MPC1, the original form,

MPC2, which calls for a higher standard of equipment including a double-speed CD-ROM drive. Most multimedia disks are described as MPC compatible, and this usually refers to MPC2.

Computer-Based Testing

Computer-based tests are an excellent solution for people used to using computers. They do not replace the traditional examinations but give a choice to those students who prefer doing a test with a keyboard and mouse.

Electronic Portofolios

An electronic portfolio, also known as an e-portfolio or digital portfolio, is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually on the Web. Such electronic evidence may include inputted text, electronic files, images, multimedia, blog entries, and hyperlinks.

E-portfolios are both demonstrations of the user's abilities and platforms for self-expression, and, if they are online, they can be maintained dynamically over time.

Some e-portfolio applications permit varying degrees of audience access, so the same portfolio might be used for multiple purposes.

According to Anderson, e-portfolios can then go viral and be passed on to be easily viewed by many on the web.

Interactive Whiteboards

An interactive whiteboard (IWB), is a large interactive display that connects to a computer. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger, stylus, or other device. The board is typically mounted to a wall or floor stand.

Creating and Editing Images

ImageChef is a great tool for creating a mosaic of words, cover photos for Facebook timeline or framing photos. It contains over 100 interesting frames into which you can insert your photos. Word mosaics can also have an interesting appearance and usage in blog posts.

Share as Image allows you to highlight any text on the web and turn it into a picture. It is a useful tool for creating images of quotations, thoughts and sayings and share images on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.

PicFont is a very simple application to add text to a picture, shape or background.

Photo Collage is a web application for creating photo slideshows, photo collages and photo animation.

Gimp is the most famous open source program for creating, processing and editing images.

Picasa is one of the most famous and completely free program for organizing, editing, sharing photos on Google Plus. Using Picasa, you can easily and quickly improve or completely transform your photos and images.

LunaPic is quite interesting online program for processing and editing images from Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr. Allows you to open photos directly from Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and Photobucket accounts.

Gickr converts images and YouTube videos for free into a GIF animations. Similar and alike good free services are Gifmake, Make a Gif, GIFNinja

Recording and Editing SoundWe can use total recorder professional edition. It has main

features:Record directly in any supported sound format. PCM, MP3,

WMA, FLAC, APE and any format provided by a system codec are supported.

Record any sound passing through any line of your sound card with the ability to listen to audio being captured. For example, we can record sound being played back by an external program, or sound from a microphone, an external LP, cassette, CD/DVD player, AM/FM/Satellite radio, etc.

Use Total Recorder as a VoIP recorder to record both parties of a VoIP (Voice over IP) calls or an Internet-telephony conversation when using programs like Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo voice, MSN, etc.

Convert files to any supported format (including on the fly converting while recording).

Edit sound files using a built-in sound editor. This built-in sound editor allows you to cut, trim, and join your recordings. Editing can be performed using a visual representation of the sound or using clipboard operations. All editing functions are performed without decompressing/recompressing to preserve sound quality and save time.

Recording and Editing Video

Video Edit Magic is a tool that we can use to capture and edit video files. Besides video editing, you can capture footage from a USB or DV camera or view the interactive tutorial and user guide.

VideoPad Video Editor is a good free video recorder/editing software. This program features overlay text for captions and movie credits and the preview of video effects in real time. It also imports and mix music tracks like a pro.

Microsoft Movie maker

Already installed on newer computers that are

running Windows XP, Movie Maker has drag

and drop features to make creating and

editing your movie easier.

Wax

Wax is a high performance and flexible free

video editing software program. It started out

as a college project, and has since grown. Wax

is good for both home users and professionals.

Sources

http://www.nchsoftware.com/videopad/index.html