What You Should Know About Multimedia

Check out the post on Understanding Multimedia for Rapid E-Learning.  While it’s about elearning, the core information is the same.

The post discusses:

• differences between vector and bitmap images
• recording audio
• use of video

There are also some good links to some free multimedia software.  Here are a couple that I use quite a bit:

• Paint.net: it’s free and it’s turned into a really nice graphics editor that does most of what people want.
• MovieMaker: Microsoft’s free video editing application.  You’re not going to make Hollywood videos with this, but it’s a very capable and easy to use editor.  Plus, most likely you already have it on your PC.  I see they even have some MovieMaker books for those who want to learn more.
• Audacity: it’s a free audio editor.  Most of the time it’s easier to record in PowerPoint or your elearning application.  But sometimes it’s good to keep the audio and other production separated.  
• Screenr: I find this to be one of the best and easiest to use screencasting tools.  It’s free and you don’t need to download any applications.  I also like that there’s no Screenr branding on the downloaded MP4 videos.