Multimedia resources can enrich your online course

What? Audio included in Welcome Announcement
Where/Why? This pop-up announcement can be edited to include a narrated greeting and picture of the instructor. Record using low cost audio editing software (Sony Sound Forge Studio 8) and a Logitech USB headset/microphone.
Source? Free audio editing software can be obtained from http://audacity.sourceforge.net

What? Interactive tutorial on how to navigate in WebCT Blackboard
Where/Why? This module helps orient students with extensive instructions on how to use Blackboard WebCT. Interactive tutorials and animations are included.
Source? WebCT Blackboard provides this student orientation module.  You will find the file and instructions for using it at: http://resources.css.edu/it/atc/blackboard/LearningMods.html

What? Content-rich learning modules
Where/Why? Learning modules include text that is chunked in small, accessible pages. Pictures, Web links, tutorials, video and graphics may also be used to present content, to promote interaction and to communicate information.
Source? These can be created by the course instructor/designer using WebCT/Blackboard’s built-in course development tools. Learning modules can include images, Web links, audio, and video from a variety of sources. For an orientation to St. Scholastica’s online program, download the module at:
http://resources.css.edu/it/atc/OnlineProgram/OrientationMods.htm

What? Library links and resources
Where/Why? The St. Scholastica Library provides instructors and students access to wonderful online resources and services that can be vital to the teaching and learning process. The Distance Education Librarian can provide a useful library video and other content and she is also willing to come into your course and consult with students as a guest instructor in your course discussion area.
Source? Contact the Distance Education Librarian, Julie Rustad at jrustad@css.edu or by phone at (218) 723-6535.

What? Narrated presentations
Where/Why? Course Content can be developed by creating a PowerPoint and narrating it for presentation online. Use your CSS username and password to get the needed “Impatica for PowerPoint” software and user manual.
Source? These may be created using PowerPoint and a Logitech USB headset/microphone. For a presentation that is accessible from even the slowest Internet connections, presentations may be easily process with Impatica software. Download Impatica from: https://www2.css.edu/intranet/facstaff/it/

What? Video segments
Where/Why? Video represents an interesting way to provide introductory information or to vary the presentation of course content.
Source? Aside from making your own videos, free quality videos may be found at www.ted.com.Also, www.YouTube.com has some high quality videos available. As with all resources, you will want to screen materials for content and quality before incorporating them in your course. If you create and use .wmv files, be sure to provide Mac users with a link to the viewing software: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/  Mac users will also need Stuffit Expander: http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/stuffit/

What? Online flash cards, crossword puzzles, word jumbles and other interactive games.
Where/Why? These simple games add interactivity and provide a fun way for course participants to learn new vocabulary of the online course environment.
Source? Although there are many types of game creation software, the one we use is StudyMate. St. Scholastica instructors may download it using their CSS GroupWise username and password: https://www2.css.edu/intranet/facstaff/it/

What? Learning Objects
Where/Why? A learning object is just about anything that can be re-used.  
Source? Make your own or refer to Merlot’s Federated Search, www.wisc-online.com or a variety of other sources.

What? Web links
Where/Why? Great Internet resources are often multimedia-rich. The online netiquette quiz is just one example of a  Web site that delivers useful information and user-interaction.
Source? WebCT Blackboard allows you to easily add, categorize, and present Web links. You can also incorporate them within your online lessons or learning modules. The following is a guide to online learning at CSS: www.css.edu/x3429.xml

The College of St. Scholastica maintains a site entitled MORF (Multimedia Online Resources for Faculty) and it is available at: http://www.css.edu/x3417.xml