All about Rich Media

All about Rich Media
The term Rich Media refers to a broad range of digital interactive media that can
either be downloadable or embedded in a webpage. When downloaded, it can be used or viewed
offline using media players such as Microsoft Media Player, Real Networks’ RealPlayer, or Apple’s
QuickTime.
For distance learning through the Web as in e-learning, rich media must be an integral
part of the courseware. It should comprise animation, interactivities to various levels of
sophistication, visuals and narration. These components make your training programs more
effective and your company sees a significant Return on Investment (ROI). 
Other components of Rich Media:
File sizes: File sizes must always be small. To minimize delays in file
transfer, use file formats that make the best use of Rich Media and are of good quality. These
include Microsoft Media Player, GIF, JPG, Real Networks’ RealPlayer, or Apple’s QuickTime,
Macromedia Flash (SWF), MP3, Shockwave Audio (SWA), Animated GIF, Macromedia Authorware (AAM) and
VOX.
If there are delays in self-paced interactive course programs, students can be very
frustrated as it interferes with understanding and retention. So, file sizes must be small and
very streamable to slow modems. By streamable is meant that as bits of the digital video are
downloaded, the movie starts to play, until the entire download is complete.
Image formats: If you use lesser than 256 colors, sharp colors and small file
sizes, the GIF format is ideal. These include screen grabs, clipart, drawings and
illustrations.
JPGs are better for photographs and illustrations with over 256 colors. If you use JPGs
for screen captures, it will cause blurring of colors and the file size will be larger because
the colors are averaged.
Animation: Macromedia Flash is best for animation on the Web. Not only can you
increase the Flash movie to 1024 x 768 from 640 x 480, but you don’t lose any picture quality nor
do you increase the file size. Alternatively, you can use animated GIF format.
Movies and digital video: The most popular streamable formats for digital
video are Windows Media Player, Apple QuickTime and RealVideo.
Sound files: Of the many formats for sound compression available, MP3 is the
most popular and has excellent quality. If you use Real Audio and Windows Media Player 5.0, you
can safely use MP3.
One of the best ways of using sound on the Web is to use Macromedia Flash 4.0 and higher
which convert WAV files to the Shockwave format it has internally. If you use Macromedia
Authorware with its 800kbps plug-in, you can either use SWA (Shockwave Audio) or VOX
(Voxware).
Authoring software: You could give your learners a “no plug-in” option by
using Macromedia Dreamweaver with Course Builder. It creates good interactive learning, is
compliant with AICC norms and can import all kinds of media, among other benefits.

Pratibha R. S.
  Executive - Instructional Designer
    _____________________________________________________________________
    About CommLab IndiaCommLab India (
href=“http://www.commlabindia.com” target=“_blank”>www.commlabindia.com) is a Custom
eLearning Solutions Company based in India. Since 2000, it has been providing state-of-the-art
eLearning services to organizations across the world in the areas of Learning Consultancy, Custom
Courseware and Learning Technology. Some of our reputed clients are BC Hydro, George Washington
University, Kawasaki and Deloitte. We are preferred vendors to some of the Fortune 500 companies
like Alcoa and Hill-Rom._____________________________________________________________________
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