Standard IX

Multimedia

The multimedia teacher has the knowledge and skills needed to teach the Foundations, Information Acquisition, Work in Solving Problems, Communication strands of the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in multimedia, in addition to the content described in Technology Applications Standards I-V.

Reflection

The term Multimedia in computing has always been misused and misunderstood, in my opinion.  Lots of people in computer sales use the phrase "multimedia machine" to designate a computer that can handle audio and video.  Doesn't every modern computer handle audio and video?  At any rate, with those misconceptions swirling about, I was not sure what to expect from the Multimedia course.  I wondered what defines "multimedia."  I wondered if there were applications that specifically addressed multimedia.  Through the 4 weeks I took the course, I still didn't really understand what I was supposed to be accomplishing.

Now, a few weeks after completing the course, I have an idea.  There is no specific "multimedia software."  Multimedia is simply synthesis of skills and abilities.  Put everything you can do and make one coherent package using it all - that's what I learned.  What the package is--website, slideshow, etc.--is irrelevant.  What matters is that it's coherent, and the sum is greater than the parts.

I'm not sure where I go from here with multimedia, other than to attempt to clear up confusion for people and show them exactly what the TA standard is.  Obviously, I want to practice it, but first I have to hone my skills in those areas that make up the parts of the multimedia package.

Artifact #7   / Artifact #9

Caption 7

Indicators: 1, 2, 4, 7.10s, 8.16s, 9.1k, 9.1s, 9.4s, 9.6s, 9.7s, 9.8s, 9.2k, 9.10s, 9.11s, 9.12s, 9.3k, 9.13s, 9.4k, 9.5k, 9.15s, 9.16s, 9.19s, 9.20s, 9.21s, 9.23s, 9.24s, 9.25s, 9.8k, 9.26s, 9.28s, 9.33s, 9.35s, 9.10k, 9.38s, 9.39s, 9.40s, 9.11k, 9.41s, 9.42s, 9.43s

Artifact 7  

Descriptors: Multimedia, Web Authoring
Title: What Is The Matrix? - Beginner's Guide to The Matrix

Course: Multimedia 103

Date Created: March 2003

Source: Individual Project

Media: Microsoft FrontPage, QuickTime, Microsoft Powerpoint, MGI Photosuite, Tsunami Pro

Description: A website designed to introduce viewers to the phenomenon of the motion picture, The Matrix.  Site is designed to demonstrate proficiency in multimedia, incorporating a variety of techniques to persuade the viewer to discover more about the content area.

Rationale: For this assignment, we were to select a favorite movie or TV show and development a multimedia presentation that persuades the viewer to learn more about the subject.  I selected The Matrix as my content area.  I had already developed an edited sound file (mp3) in an earlier assignment, and I incorporated this into a splash page.  I constructed a Powerpoint slideshow featuring photos of the key characters and I found a video clip of the teaser trailer on the Internet.  The final task was simply constructing a coherent website that featured these elements and making it persuasive for the viewer.  I selected it as an example of my best work because it exhibits, in one product, the skills I have acquired throughout the TATC program.  I had constructed basic web pages, worked with basic video, worked with basic powerpoint & images, etc., numerous times in the past.  This project involved more advanced demonstration of each of these products and required me to integrate all of them into one coherent product.  What I found most gratifying about the finished product is that each elements was high-quality, and that quality was reflected in a truly "finished" website.  I think, personally, that the balance and coherence of the site as a whole is excellent, and I am quite proud of it.

Implications for future: This really turned out to be a truly enjoyable experience.  I found just how far I've come.  Editing sound was an easy and enjoyable experience.  What's more, I realize that just how much more I know when it comes to developing sites - I know where to look for content, what kind of content to seek, how to construct and link the site, etc.  It gives me a strong sense of confidence as I look toward further developing my skills.

Reviewer Comments: Excellent site Peter.  It was very persuasive in nature.  I especially enjoyed the symbolism section.  After reading through it, I felt like viewing the movie again.  The background that you chose sets the mood for the sci-fi nature of not only the site, but the movie as well.   Also, your embedded video played immediately for me.  Way to Go!  I could tell that you enjoyed putting this site together.

Reviewer Name: Courtney Morawski

Title: TATC Graduate; TATC Mentor; Teacher - Mansfield HS

Date Reviewed: March 2003

Top of Page

Caption 9

Indicators: 1, 2, 8.1k, 8.2s, 8.4s, 8.7s, 8.3k, 8.4k, 8.5k, 8.6k, 8.17s, 8.18s, 8.19s, 8.7k, 8.21s, 8.23s, 8.24s, 8.26s, 8.27s, 8.33s, 8.34s, 8.35s, 8.9k, 9.1k, 9.1s, 9.3s, 9.4s, 9.5s, 9.8s, 9.2k, 9.10s, 9.11s, 9.3k, 9.14s, 9.4k, 9.5k, 9.15s, 9.16s, 9.6k, 9.17s, 9.18s, 9.7k, 9.20s, 9.21s, 9.22s, 9.26s, 9.27s, 9.28s, 9.29s, 9.9k, 9.35s, 9.37s, 9.10k, 9.38s, 9.39s, 9.40s, 9.11k, 9.41s, 9.12k, 9.42s, 9.43s

Artifact 9

Descriptors: Multimedia, Web Authoring

Title: "Arctic Blast" - Photo Album Presentation

Course: 103 Multimedia

Date Created: February 2003

Source: Individual Project

Media: Microsoft Powerpoint97, Microsoft FrontPage 2002, Adobe Photoshop 6.0

Description: Our assignment for this project was to develop a slideshow photo album with a subject of our choosing.  We were required to manipulate the photos, create the slideshow, then link the slideshow to a web page that would present a storyboard of the show.  We were also required to develop an animated splash page whose theme reflected the subject of the album, but that page is presented as an artifact for Standard 8.  This artifact focuses on the storyboard and slideshow.

Rationale: I scrapped my original storyboard and photos when the biggest ice storm in about 20 years hit the DFW area.  My new storyboard and album focused on the apparent boredom of a couple of days spent "stuck" at home.  I incorporated different photos showing the ice, then led to "the height of my day," which was my son's daily bath in the evening.  I also included a photo of the fire we burned that night in our fireplace.  It turned out much better than my old plan (which I don't even remember now).  I included the slideshow in my portfolio because of the sheer speed and ease I achieved while maintaining high quality.  I was amazed at how easy it was to develop this from scratch in one day, proving to me that I had learned quite a bit.

Implications for future: The most obvious benefit I gained from this project appears in my rationale.  I saw that if I committed to completing a project, I was now capable of developing it quickly and effectively in just a few hours.  It gave me a sense for just how far my skills and confidence had come.  This project really got me progressing toward Artifact #7, which really showed some skill and development.

Reviewer Comments:

Reviewer Name: Diana G. Saenz

Title: TATC Student; Technology Teacher - Lamar HS

Date Reviewed: February 2003

Top of Page