Multimedia: Tips and Tools

tips for utilizing multimedia tools

Introduction

Living in today’s digital world requires just about everyone to be somewhat aware of multimedia applications to an extent. Demonstrating skills that show proof that a person can create, design, or produce digital projects is a necessity in many fields of work. However, the mere thought of creating a multimedia project can either create sparks that ignite someone’s passion or create uncertainty and stress within seconds. When thinking about creating a multimedia project, it is important to understand that while there can be parameters that surround project creations, multimedia is something that can be limitless and the options for tools to create with are plentiful.

I personally love graphic design and creating things, but this course has challenged me in multiple ways as creating animations and higher level multimedia projects is a relatively new concept to me. In exploring tools to use, the overwhelming amount of options can sometimes create limitations just because there are so many choices. Some are free, some are not. Some work with PCs, some work better with Macs. Some options only give limited access, some give unlimited options. Some are very user friendly, and some are incredibly high tech and confusing. The variety of choices can quickly become overwhelming, especially to someone who is new to the entire process. I think it is important to keep an open mind about exploring the new technologies that are available, but also know that there are tools we use everyday that can be just as beneficial in some situations. Sometimes less is more.

The Project Process

In creating a project, it is important to understand that any project is a process. Careful planning, research, editing, drafting, and patience must go into developing a high quality multimedia project. Understanding the tools available and then developing a plan for use of those tools is a key element in streamlining design. Storyboards are visual representations that can detail how a multimedia project will unfold. It is a script that visually breaks down each part of a video. Storyboards can be very beneficial in organizing thoughts as projects develop. Once the storyboard has been created, it is time to conduct research on tools that will best produce the desired project. A few ideas for easy to use tools are listed below. In choosing a program, it is important to begin with the end in mind and research programs that meet the needs of that end goal. During the creating process, it is vital to think about Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and include elements that support the cognitive beliefs behind multimedia design. In any project, items like color theory, typography, spacing, sound, and imaging should always be carefully considered. Before publishing the project for a public audience, look at how the final project will be viewed and consider how it can be seen on various devices. Pay attention to the audio settings and test them out on different devices. Work to fine tune any miscues in timing or spacing issues that will make the project look sloppy.

Recommended Tools

Below are a few tools that can be used to create various multimedia project. These are mere recommendations that appear to be user friendly and aid in producing high quality multimedia projects. Not all of them are free, but each are worth researching and looking into.

Video: WeVideo

What: WeVideo was designed with teachers in mind. WeVideo is a tool that can be used to create, edit, or trim videos. It is compatible with many programs schools use like Canvas, Blackboard, and Google. It was designed to work well with Macs and PCs and is incredibly user friendly. This program provides opportunities for teachers to use to develop lessons, but is also easy enough for students to use to create presentations that demonstrate their learning. It is a program that supports out of the box thinking and can transform the engagement within a classroom.

Why: WeVideo was developed for teachers and students. The site provides guidelines that aid teachers in aligning standards to their videos in order to enhance instruction. There are components to the program that allow for collaboration so that multiple people can work on a project together. There are features within the subscriptions that support classroom use and allow teachers and students to create podcasts and GIFs, as well as utilize green screen and screen recording. So many options within this tool!

Cost: WeVideo offers subscriptions plans depending on need that allow educators to utilize it well. Click here for the pricing plan.

Audio: RecordCast

What: RecordCast allows for audio recording without having to install anything on your computer. It gives three options that include just audio, audio and webcam, or audio and screen recording. By providing all three of these options, RecordCast is a versatile tool that can aid in creating many multimedia projects.

Why: RecordCast doesn’t just provide audio options. Within the program, users can add effects that help to enhance projects and make them more appealing to audiences. As mentioned before, you do not have to install anything on your computer to use RecordCast, you just simply create an account on their website and begin creating.

Cost: The best part about RecordCast is it is FREE to use!

Stock Photo: The Noun Project

What: The Noun Project is a program that focuses on improving the visual world. They offer a large library of icons and photographs that can be used by designers for multimedia projects. Their library consists of millions of diverse digital images that meet the needs of designers and creators. The Noun Project consists of a community of photographers that cover the globe to ensure all of their pieces are authentic.

Why: The Noun Project is incredibly easy to use and has enough images to meet the diverse needs of its users. The graphics are clean and professional and will add value to any multimedia piece. Users can choose to search illustrated icons or photographs and will be routed to pages and pages of choices.

Cost: The Noun Project is free for basic use and very affordable for use beyond that. The pricing page can be found here.

Animation: Powtoon

What: Powtoon is a web based program that can be used to create engaging and animated videos. Many of the videos that are on YouTube were created using Powtoon.

Why: Powtoon is relatively easy to use and comes with many premade templates to help get you started. Another helpful feature about Powtoon is that it can turn a PowerPoint presentation into an animated video in just a few easy steps. Teachers from all over are using this easy tool to create engaging videos for their classrooms.

Cost: Powtoon does offer a free trial, but is not free forever. For educators, there is an option to pay $8 a month to have access to many of the tools needed to create.

Additional Tools

Canva:

What: Canva is a goldmine for anyone needing to create anything. It provides templates for digital projects or blank canvases that can be used however needed. The library of graphics, photos, shapes, videos, and audio help add quality to all forms of multimedia projects. Canva includes tools that help when designing that include color matching, pallet suggestions, photo background removers, photo editors, font suggestions, and more. Canva is the tool I am currently most familiar with and use almost daily for a variety of reasons.

Why: The templates offered within the program can be beneficial for everyone using it. For novice users who are only beginning their journey in design, Canva provides support that can generate ideas and boost creativity. The elements within the program are unique, professional, and plentiful. There are so many options! Canva can be used by educators in the classroom to create instructional material. It can also be used by students to promote creativity and collaboration.

Cost: While you can purchase the professional version of Canva for $12 a month, it is FREE for educators.

Storyboard That:

What: Storyboard That is a really cool tool that provides scenes, characters, and objects that can be used to create stories. The program provides very engaging and visually appealing graphics that teachers and students can use to compose digital storytelling. Teachers and students can also create infographics, posters, and graphic organizers.

Why: Storyboard That is easy to use and very engaging for students. Adding this component as an instructional tool for projects can be a game changer in the classroom. There are components within the teacher version that allow the program to be compatible with Google Classroom, Clever, and Microsoft. Users can create storyboards and then add audio to enhance the project.

Cost: There is a trial option for teachers at $1 a month and then the program is $10 a month.

Conclusion:

These are just a few of the tools that can be used to design and develop multimedia projects. I have enjoyed learning about so many different programs that support creative design and multimedia. I am eager to put some of these to use in my classroom this coming year as I continue to learn and grow as an instructional technologist.