Multimedia+Authoring+Software

=**Multimedia Authoring Software**=

**Definition/Description:**
====Multimedia authoring software consists of audio, photographs, video, text,hypertext, graphics and animation. All these features allow students to externalize their understanding of what they have learned in a creative, positive, and innovative way that promotes learning more than grading. Multimedia Authoring softwares give teachers the opportunity to design interactive games and activities for their students. Documenting the software on the Web allows it to be accessed anywhere in the world at any time of the day. With the use of PDF, which came about in 2008, makes it possible for students to view documents, power points, images, and videos on any computer. ====


 * MAS and what literature has to say: **

According to an article by Tom Schrand, multimedia authoring softwares have the capability to promote an effective student-centered learning environment. He goes on to say that the use of technology is quickly becoming more efficient and more accessible since the late 1990s, when multimedia programming first began. Multimedia authoring softwares allow students to take charge of their own learning with the way they learn best authentically and creatively. Animation has changed learning tremendously visually as abstract concepts begin to be expressed in a concrete method, eliminating a barrier in learning.


 * MAS and assessment: **

In light of assessments, multimedia authoring softwares have been observed to have increased standardized test scores significantly. Higher order thinking is promoted. MAS allows for multiple choice, multiple response, questions answered using numbers, questions using pull-down menus, or short answer questions. Once students take these tests or quizzes generated by the software, their scores and feedback will be viewable and recorded.



**MAS and hypertext:**

Hypertext has the capability to link graphics and animation as well as other text to cross reference topics and options within a program. The purpose of hypertext is to allow users to select key words also known as “Hot Words” to lead them to a different page that explains the “Hot Words” more thoroughly. A few examples would be the help, home, back, forward options shown on the screen. Hypertext can be illustrated as jumping from one topic to another to another for in-depth explanations. The great thing about hypertext is that you can go from point A to D directly instead of starting from point A then to point B to point C and finally to point D. Hypertext in an educational perspective allows students to become interactive with their learning and can be used drill and practices purposes.




 * MAS and video: **

Not only is it possible to upload videos from various different sources onto one page, it is also possible to upload personal videos and edit them accordingly. Quicktime is one software that allows users to watch videos with the synchronization of sound. Quicktime allows sound and animation to blend together to create a powerful illustration of what is portrayed. Embedding videos from an external website is also possible so that students do not have to go through the hassle of connecting to different sites, causing distractions and frustrations. Everything that needs to be seen would be on a single page, as I have done on this page.

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**MAS and sound**:

The audio image that you see below was retrieved from [|www.soundcloud.com]. With the use of [|www.soundcloud.com], students and teachers will be able to create and record music or particular sounds and incorporate it into videos and animation. It could be a great way for teachers to teach phonics by including texts to match the sounds it makes through this software.

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 * MAS and animation: **

Animation in MAS encourages interactive learning and accommodate to visual and experiential styles of learning. This feature allows the cursor to turn into a pointing hand as it grazes over icons or phrases of words that can be clicked on. Texts, videos, and other images can be used as well in the process. One type of software called KooBits allows the user to literally create virtual animation just from words. Presentations and special effects can also be developed creatively. The Youtube video below illustrates its features of animation well.

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** Different programs of MAS (to name a few): **

 - Adobe  - Create Together (Win)  - Dazzler  - Flying Popcorn (Win)  - GraFX Saver Pro (Win)  - HyperStudio (Win, Mac)  - MediaBlender (Win, Mac)  - Mistyk Media (Win)  - MovieWorks (Win, Mac)

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