MultiMedia
Introduction

The Internet
-Brief History
-Today's Internet
-Working Basics
-World Wide Web
-Top 10 Reasons

Communication
 -Asynchronous
-Synchronous

MultiMedia
-Streaming
-Virtual Reality
   *Virtual Tours
    *Avatars

Online Sources
-Field Trips
-Lessons/Games
-On-line Courses
-Research
-Scavenger Hunt
-Web Quests
-WebCams

Applications
 -GIS
-PowerPoint
-WebCT

Security
-Copyright
-Firewalls
-Filters

 The Future
-Internet2
-Wireless Class
-Quicker Band





 

 

 

  
Streaming:
 Streaming includes real-time audio and video.  It's a technique devised for transferring data so that it can be processed as a steady and continuous stream.  With streaming, the browser or plug-in can start displaying the data before the entire file has been transmitted.  Streaming video is a sequence of "moving images" that are sent in compressed form over the Internet and displayed by the viewer as they arrive.  There is no wait time as the file is downloaded and immediately there is sound/video.  A special program is required that uncompresses and sends video data to the display and audio data to speakers.  In order to view a file, an application such as RealNetwork or Windows Media Player must be installed on your computer. 

For a few examples of streaming video check out these web sites.  This web site is called "AccuuWeather" which gives you current weather conditions and other important travel information. 

Maps on the Internet

United Streaming is a web site that allows teachers to download and view videos on line.  Members can download videos at United Streaming  by typing in the username and password.  You can search by subject and grade. Many of the videos provide handouts and teachers guide. Underneath the video description you will see black line master and teacher guide.  For a manual on how to use United Streaming check out the WSKG Video Streaming User's Guide.  You can also down load sections of a video and burn it to a CD Rom for individual or classroom use.

How can I use United Streaming?

  1. You can have students watching videos individually in the computer lab or in small groups. This allows students to watch at their own pace.
  2. You can use this as an introductory activity within a lesson.
  3. You can use this as an individual activity within a differentiated classroom.
  4. You can use this as a make up assignment or review activity that can be done at home or during a study hall.


Virtual Reality:
 Virtual Reality (VR) - a means of synthesizing "reality" known as "real-time".  A key element of VR is the assumption that the brain can process information more effectively when it is presented through combining sight, sound, and touch (Hamilton & Smith, 1992).  A virtual image is a powerful tool.  Students can view an actual object to see exactly what it looks like from every angle.  Students can manipulate, explore and experience things as never thought of before.  The web site, "Web3D" provides links and resources about virtual images.

The VR system is a database that has specifications to create almost anything in the world.  The other key element of VR is that it is interactive. Input can be done through body movement, verbal commands and devices such as gloves, a mouse or joystick as a means of interaction. By experiencing the sensations of sight, sound, and touch, there is definitely an internalized 'feeling' that you are actually experiencing the 'presence' of being in that reality as an interactive participant.  An excellent example is the "Cave" at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia.  The CAVE is a multi-person, room-sized, high-resolution, 3D video and audio environment.  An excellent learning environment.

Welcome to the Virginia Tech CAVE
http://www.cave.vt.edu/

VR can stimulate the participants' senses (mainly vision and hearing, and occasionally touch).  VR is being used with those who have disabilities to assist them in their day to day duties.  Many people with various physical, mental, and/or health disabilities are taking part in research using VR. 

Active Worlds is a wonderful web site for VR.    It is a  3D Chat, Virtual Reality Building Platform.    It lets you visit and chat in incredible 3D worlds that are built by other users.  In response to the growing demand from educators, Activeworlds Inc. launched The Active Worlds Educational Universe (AWEDU). The AWEDU is a unique educational community that makes the Active Worlds technology available to educational institutions, teachers, students, and individual programs in a focused setting. Via this community, educators are able to explore new concepts, learning theories, creative curriculum design, and discover new areas in social learning.

Virtual Tours:  Take a virtual tour of some of these beautiful sites.  These tours makes it possible for students to visit countries that they have never been before.  Check out these web sites on virtual reality:  Palaces,  and Life in the Whitehouse.  Take a tour on some of the most famous destinations on Travel Ape.

Avatars:  Simply put, it's a virtual image.  An avatar can resemble a person, animal or even an object.  One may wonder how this technology could be used in the school and in the office, but it can be a great learning tool.  Avatars are a virtual representation of the user that can walk through world's created by the software developers.  Students can use these avatars to walk through worlds like Egypt or the ruins of Troy.  Dissecting a frog can be easier on the Internet than in the classroom.  Try it: Virtual Frog Dissection/ .