WHAT MULTIMEDIA TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
This section provides an overview on delivering and creating course multimedia using pedagogical best practices with technologies supported by the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and Learning Innovation.
An advantage of delivering course materials online is that media other than a printed textbook can be used to explain content. Media such as videos and podcasts provide variety for the senses and maintain the interest of students. There are also multimedia technologies that add layers of interaction such as multimedia discussion boards and interactive videos.
There are two ways to add multimedia to your course: 1. Find resources available online that complement and enhance your course. 2. Create your own multimedia and allow your students to create it as an integral part of their assignments. The choice of whether or not to add multimedia content and tools depends on the learning goals of the course and if it is possible to integrate media in a thoughtful way.
Choosing the right tool
Although it is possible to upload multimedia materials in the Resources tool in Sakai, it is not recommended. Students need to have the appropriate programs on their computers to open them. Plus, multimedia files are often large and difficult to download. These multimedia tools are all designed to stream content online, either by uploading files or direct recordings, and some make advanced interaction with multimedia possible.
| DISCUSSION | audio | video | images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warpwire |  | | | |
| VoiceThread | | | | |
| PlayPosit | | | | |
| Sites@Duke | | | | |
Stream video, audio and pictures with Warpwire
You can create or upload media to Warpwire to share with specific individuals, your course roster or publicly. Most media file types can be uploaded and large files are acceptable. A Warpwire library can be configured for students to upload files and instructors can view students’ contributions privately or share with the whole class. Students and instructors can create a simple video, audio and screen recording directly in the program, but it does not offer major editing features. Panopto is recommended for more robust video recordings and editing.
Resources
> Warpwire at Duke
> Getting Started with Warpwire in Sakai
> Screen Capture in Warpwire
> Uploading Videos to Warpwire Media Gallery
Create multimedia discussions in VoiceThread
VoiceThread is a tool you can use to create a discussion that is linked to a multimedia item such as a PowerPoint, short video or song. Students can comment on the item and talk to each other by voice, video or text. Students can create their own VoiceThread as well.
Resources
> How to create a VoiceThread
> Adding the VoiceThread tool to your Sakai course
> Teaching with VoiceThread in the Hindi Classroom (Duke University)
Make interactive videos with PlayPosit
Using PlayPosit you can create and share interactive video lessons in your Sakai course site, Sites@Duke or any online location of your choice via an embed code. There are several different types of question types available for your in-video quiz including multiple-choice, free response, polling and a reflective pause. The video lesson can also be set up to allow for discussions and note-taking by students.
Resources
> Playposit Quickstart Guide
> Add a PlayPosit bulb to Lessons in Sakai (video)
> Three Useful PlayPosit Features for Interactive Course Videos (Duke University)
Build your own website with Sites@Duke
Using Sites@Duke (powered by WordPress), instructors can create a website with a multimedia-rich experience incorporating many different tools. There are options to embed items such as YouTube or Warpwire videos, add RSS feeds and allow students to add their own blogs with audio, video and photos.
Resources
> Creating a Course Site
> Course Site Privacy Settings
> Creating Subsites
> Adding Media to Site
> WordPress Support