Q3: About Multimedia Builder
Multimedia Builder is a multimedia authoring tool that is selected for creating your final project (designing a student-centered problem-based multimedia program) in this course.
- What features of MMB do you like most or least?
3 Comments:
MMB's feature-set is pretty impressive. I'm quite impressed with what I've seen the program can do so far. I'll be able to comment more when I've progressed further in the group project and begin to work on it in earnest.
My gripe (as always) is that it's not cross-platform nor does it produce executables cross-platform (according to my current understanding). Not everyone uses PCs these days.
The ability to incorporate a search engine into the programme, animations and the designing our very own interface are the biggest pluses in MMB. The functions are relatively user friendly and definitely this programme is more versatile than powerpoint as it facilitates interaction, more sophisticated visuals and sound. However, font, character and paragraph controls lack flexibility, so are image control tools such as cropping, flipping, hue and saturation controls and resizing of animated gifs. It is also a pity that this software is windows compatible only, so mac users like me are unable to access / practise it from home. On the whole, MMB is an effective tool for creating interesting lessons, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to learn this software.
I know this might be off-kilter and not in keeping with your time limits, but I really wish to provide a more in-depth review of MMB since I've finally consolidated most of my thoughts on what it can do. It's really an extended comment.
The crux of MMB's success is its simple interface. Look at the visual metaphors, tooltips and so on. Frankly, with simple exploration and the all important help file (which many neglect sad to say), quite a number of people would be able to figure out its functions.
I totally appreciate how it can be used simply or in an advanced manner with scripting. I'm no programmer, but the process of adding in extra action scripts is rather brainless in a way, since it really does provide an interface for inputs (drop-down box, etc). Anyone at any level can use it.
However, I do notice that there are certain constraints by way of CBK menus and the like. The extent of possible visual customization isn't fantastic here and you really have to think about different ways of tweaking things. Not great if you have time constraints. But if not, hey. Anything goes.
I like good visuals. There are things which irk me a great deal when it comes to multimedia programs. The usual lack of a professional interface, mediocre content and the use of features which are irrelevant are some of those things that really annoy me. Simply because I know as educators we can come up with better stuff than that. And also because we need to set the bar higher, the best for our students, you know?
Multimedia needs to be harnessed properly. I think many use it arbitrarily since we imagine we need them to fulfill IT requirements. Not so. In fact, inappropriately used, it would hinder rather than assist students.
I notice I'm rambling and/or ranting. But yes, my further thoughts in a nutshell. You've done a fantastic job, Dr Wang, with the course. Of course, there's room for improvement (like everything else), but it's well-coordinated and I appreciate that more than you know (having other subjects with poor coordination helps too).
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