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Adding Multimedia to Your Course
These instructions assume you're familiar with WebCT and creating multimedia. They are just to give you an idea of what can be done with multimedia in WebCT and to give you a quick overview of how to do it.
Image Database Tool
- Upload the images you want to use. They should be saved in either .gif or .jpg format (the graphic formats for the web.)
- Add the Image Database tool to an organizer page.
- Add and name the database.
- Modify the columns as needed.
- Add the images to the database and complete each of the image fields. (Only the file name is required.)
- For more detail, see WebCT's help on the Image Database tool.
Adding Images to Other WebCT Tools
- Images can be used in many WebCT tools, such as quizzes, self assessments, and the glossary. The process is similar for each.
- Be sure the images are uploaded and note the path to the folder where they are located.
- Use the html <img src> tag and include the entire relative path to the images.
- Be sure to type the path and file name exactly, surround by quotes.
- Include a description of the picture using the "alt" tag as shown below.
- <img src="graphics/blue.jpg" alt="Photo of the Sky">
- Note that you do not need to include the My-Files folder; it is considered the root directory and all files should be referenced relative to this folder.
Audio/Video Tools
- In the Content Module, you can add Audio and Video to supplement your web pages. The audio/video will be listed in the Action Menu at the top of the Content when the student views the page.
- Go to the Content page where you want to add the audio ro video tool. Switch to the Designer View.
- From the Main Options menu, add the Audio or Video option.
- Browse the pick the clip you want to add. Upload if you need to. Give it a name as well.
- Switch to student view and test your clip.
- (Note that the student's browser needs to have the correct plug-in to play the file. RealPlayer, Quicktime, Shockwave, Windows Media Player, are just a few examples.)
- (Also note that if you wanted to, you could embed the file in your content pages, as you can see from this example from Janine's Internet in the Curriculum class).
Adding Multimedia to an Organizer Page
- From the Add Page or Tool page, add a link to a single URL.
- Enter in the title and browse for the html or multimedia file you want to add.
- Indicate where you want the item to show up and select the desired icon.
- Test your link to make sure it works correctly when in Student View.
Using RealSlideshow
RealSlideshow is a neat little free tool that will allow you to add narration to jpgs. See my example here. I used it to create slideshows with 6-8 slideshows to provide an overview for my modules. Some students said they appreciated the break from reading on the screen. The instructions below will help you create the slideshow. Then pick from the options above to put the slideshow into your course. Note: I do NOT recommend converting lectures this way. The students will have to wait TOO long for the file to download. Keep the show a maximum of 10 slides.Instructional Tips for Multimedia
- Multimedia can help you meet the AVLL standard for creating stimulating learning experiences.
- You can use a RealSlideshow to set the stage for a lesson or module. See this example from Janine's Internet in the Curriculum class.
- Be very careful not to just lecture using PowerPoint and RealSlideshow.
- Keep the show a maximum of 10 slides or the students will have to wait TOO long for the file to download.
- Use graphics, not just textual bullet points. This gives the students a break from reading the screen.