I. Introduction
How to Use This Handbook/How it's Organized
The handbook is organized so that a "newbie" to the development
process will be aided in helping them select the proper media
for their support materials.
We suggest that all newbies go to the media selection guide
BEFORE the attempt and development work. It is vital that you
select that "right" media for both you and your project.
This handbook is also organized for the veteran developer so you
can read the first page, decide what information that you need
to access and flip to that section of the handbook.
It's not complete - it will be constantly updated
The handbook is being constantly updated, so please as your
campus representative for the latest copy.
If the section of the handbook that you need is either not
there, or hasn't been updated please call MCLI at 731-8300.
Who should Use It - What is it For
The individuals who should be using this handbook are the
multimedia developers and development support team at your
campus.
It is to help faculty make informed decisions regarding
instructional support material for their coursework. Although
the name implies multimedia, if you want information on video,
overheads, and slides - that information will be available in
this handbook.
Hopefully, if you use this handbook correctly - it will save you
time, effort, and help you select the correct media for your
support materials.
Current Issues and Articles
The area of computer and instructional technology is changing
rapidly. Therefore, we think that you should have a working
knowledge and understanding of the current issues that relate to
this area.
We highly recommend these articles:
- Soloman, Martin B.,"What's Wrong With Multimedia in Higher Education",18T.H.E. Journal, February 1994, 81-83.
- Solomon compares higher education's ability to adapt to the future to how IBM in the 1980's ignored
the changes in the world and got "blindsided" by the competition. He cites three "revolutions" in educational
technology- television, microcomputer, and now multimedia and notes how the first two have "failed to change
the nature or fundamental quality of higher education in the U.S." Solomon describes the problems with multimedia-
the culture of higher education, financial costs, standards dilemma, multiple talents required, and time required.
"Unless and until multimedia can reduce the cost of higher education, I do not beleive it will receive the needed investments."
- Geoghagen, William H., "Stuck at the Barricades: Can Information Technology Really
enter the Mainstream of Teaching and Learning?", AAHE Bulletin, September 1994, 13-17.
- It's not a failure of technology, but how we go about using it. Geogehagen outlines the social and psychological
differences between "early adopters" and "mainstream" faculty- a group separated by a chasm (based upon the earlier work
of Geoffrey Moore and Everett Rogers). The author argues that the apporach used to motivate the early adopters is innapproriate
for the mainstream, and that the "failure" of technology is more a saturation point of those 10% that make up
the early adopters.
If you have any information that you feel should be shared with
everyone and is NOT in the handbook, please call (or send the
article) to MCLI at 731-8300.