Technology Corner Digital Media

Still Images & Graphics. Topics include graphic file formats and compression, choosing a file format; working with Web images; resizing, resampling and rescanning; and using background images and image maps. Includes basic guidelines for image capture and optimisation and the use of vector-based and raster-based image editing software. Also covers use of scanners and digital cameras. Photographic guidelines. 17 links

Animation. Covers the basics of 2D & 3D animation methods and their application on computers, including Web-based animation using the GIF89 format, DHTML, Flash, Director & Shockwave, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) and eXtensible 3D (X3D). Also includes in-depth technical tutorials and a comprehensive Web gateway on computer animation resources. 8 links

Digital Audio. Covers the basics of digital audio, including common file formats. Provides tutorials on capturing, digitizing and editing of audio using either a Mac or PC. Explains how to incorporate digital audio on Web pages using the BGSOUND and EMBED tags. Includes a practical set of FAQs on digital audio. 9 links

Digital Video. Provides basic guidelines on how to shoot good video and explains how to capture, transfer, edit and encode/compress video on a computer. Reviews digital video formats, bandwidth issues and compression technologies. Covers Internet delivery via downloading vs. streaming and the use of Web-based plug-ins and players. Includes tutorials on using DV cameras and a glossary of terms. 14 links

Streaming Media. Explains streaming media technology and the basic steps in streaming media production, including editing, encoding and online delivery for RealNetworks, QuickTime, and Windows Media players. Also includes instructional design considerations and a set of useful FAQs on streaming media. 13 links

Selection and Use of Digital Media. Reviews the use of digital media for instruction, including distance learning and Web-based activities. Applies a standard set of criteria for evaluating instructional media and identifies factors to consider when assessing the various approaches. Provides several models and guidelines useful for selecting the appropriate media/media mix. 10 links

Biomedical Media Collections. Provides access to both gateway pages and searchable online collection of biomedical images and videos for use in teaching and learning. Categories include anatomy, diagnostic imaging, embryology, endoscopy, histology, neurology and pathology. Also includes instructions on using image search engines, saving images from the Web and incorporating images into Powerpoint. 14 links