Multimedia Assignment: Methods, Standards, and Technology

This report provides an introduction to multimedia concepts within the context of Moodle-based learning management systems. It begins by addressing the challenges of large file sizes in multimedia assignments, particularly in animation courses, and discusses two methods for file size reduction: file formats and frame disposal, as well as auto-crop. The report then analyzes the strengths of using MPEG standards for digital media, emphasizing their importance for audio and video formats. The report highlights the significance of MPEG 3 and MPEG 4 and their adoption by major companies. Finally, the report explores five emerging technologies in multimedia, including next-generation display technology, digital interactive textbooks, augmented reality, virtual reality and immersive learning, and the impact of big data, artificial intelligence, and prescriptive analytics. The report concludes by recommending improvements to the virtual classroom system to optimize the learning experience.

Running head: MULTIMEDIA
INTRODUCTION TO MULTIMEDIA

MULTIMEDIA 1
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion on Two Methods That Could Be Used To Reduce File Size........................................3
Discussion on Five Strengths Of Using MPEG Standards..............................................................6
Explanation on Five Emerging Technology....................................................................................8
Conclusion and Recommendations................................................................................................10
Reference.......................................................................................................................................12

MULTIMEDIA 2
Introduction
Moodle Based Learning management system is a virtual classroom concept that will bring all the
aspects of university in the workplaces and homes of students by using computers. Moodle
Based Learning Management system is a specially planned computer software that electronically
associates the students of virtual classrooms to his classmates and professors. Students may be
benefitted with this software as they will now be able to interact and attend their tutors through
virtual classrooms as well as submit their work from home using the internet (Al-Qahtani, et al.,
2013). The technology of Virtual classrooms will enable efficient communication between tutors
and students and tutors will be able to respond and quickly provide the feedback by making use
of virtual boards fixed in virtual classrooms.
Using computers or any other type of teleconferencing and communication for the purpose of
education must be seen in the context of a broad variety of innovations in the technology that are
applied to improving the access to opportunities related to education or quality of education.
Conferencing through computers is known to be an attempt for overcoming the issues of
collecting together adults at same place and time while conserving advantages and benefits of
interaction and fostering quick learning.
By using a modem, telephone or microphone, the students will be able to attend their lectures,
undertake all their team projects with fellow students, participate in the discussions, take all the
tests, submit their assignments and receive feedback from their professors. One most significant
benefit is that students are now free to either adhere or not adhere to a rigid and hectic schedule
of all the class meetings (Bora, et al., 2013). The Computer oriented environment can easily
provide support in collaborating a learning process instead of a traditional classroom, i.e. a

MULTIMEDIA 3
process where the instructors and students are involved to carry out and create learning activities
all together.
In the following paragraphs, the methods for reducing the size of the file, strengths in using
MPEG standards and emerging technology in the globe are discussed in detail. Furthermore, a
conclusion is provided for implementing the recommendations to improve the potholes in the
virtual classroom system, i.e. Moodle Based Learning management systems.
Discussion on Two Methods That Could Be Used To Reduce File Size
Moodle Based Learning Management System does not permit to upload the file that is greater
than 8 MB in its Attach File Tab. Since I have enrolled in the course of animations and all my
files, contain pictures, (moving or static) and even animated GIFs, the size of the file goes up to
20 or 30 Megabytes. This develops an issue to upload the assignment of large size. Therefore it
is recommended to reduce the size of the file by following the below-mentioned ways:
File Formats:
There are various formats in a file which ranges from .jpg to .avi for image files and video files
respectively. These various formats are used for various kinds of files (Cheston, et al., 2013).
Every format may vary as per the quality and size which means that if anyone is selected which
enhanced the size of file exponentially, it requires to be compressed and use another method for
decreasing the size of the file.
Frame Disposal:
It is a method which is used in the software like Adobe Photoshop as well as other software for
reducing the size of the file. It removes few frames which deemed to be irrelevant for final

MULTIMEDIA 4
animation and thus lowering the size of the file and keeping it constant though some loss in
content can be experienced as few frames will be removed.
Advantages: Reduce the size of the file, easy to accomplish because it is integrated into almost
every animation software, does not affect the quality of final animation much (Clarke, et al.,
2016).
Disadvantages: may result in loss of content which is noticeable, not the best method for being
used because of discarding frames.
The above picture depicts two section: the upper section is posted the disposal of the frame, and
the lower section is viewed as normal. The frame disposal has removed the additional giraffes
from every frame so that one giraffe is there in every frame without deleting the giraffe from
animation. However, it will make this animation quite less smooth because of lack of additional
giraffes for making the animation to run smoothly.
Auto Crop:

MULTIMEDIA 5
It is a method which takes the layer of any animation and helps in cropping that layer in as small
size as possible that removes the empty background present in the picture which is increasing the
size of the file (Feng, et al., 2013). For instance, if the picture is having a huge white background
and the real main image is very small as compared to the size, the auto-crop option may crop
down the actual part of the picture and remove additional background which is not necessary,
and this reduces the size of the file. This comes with a cost, and it may cause the picture to be
cropped, and part of the image may also be lost which may ruin the picture.
Advantages Reduce the size of the file, removes any irrelevant background of the picture and
makes the smooth running of the animation.
Disadvantages: Can remove and ruin the image too much.
Figure 1 Auto crop before

MULTIMEDIA 6
Figure 2 Auto crop after
Other Than these, there are various methods that are used for reducing the file size like Frame
Rate, Transparency, Resolution, and Sound.
Discussion on Five Strengths of Using MPEG Standards
Digital Media is considered as a strong tool for enhancing the online virtual classroom
experience given by Moodle Based learning management system (Hughes, et al., 2014). The
current market trends, developments, and innovations have altered the media formats and rules
that are required to be kept in mind when developing media for the course. Selecting best format
for audio and video is the first and foremost step to insure a successful involvement for both
student and instructor.
Audio and Video formats
The popular formats of media for video and audio include MPEG 4, MPEG 3, Windows Media,
Real Video and Real Audio. Each of this software requires the process to encode the audio/video
to that format which is presently being used for e-learning having great success. Latest trends in
marketing suggest that MPEG 3 used only for the audio and MPEG 4 for both audio and video
are known to be the standards for any digital media.

MULTIMEDIA 7
Significance of MPEG 3 and MPEG 4
These are the standard due to the response of consumers. Apple Company adopted the MPEG 4
very early as the format for video for the playback on iPod’s which supported the video.
YouTube and Apple worked all together for allowing the YouTube video for being accessed by
iPod Touch, iPhones, and Apple TV. YouTube shifted from the Flash Video to the MPEG 4 for
the accommodation of these devices. Post this; Adobe followed the same by updating the Flash
Player for playing MPEG 4 audio and video. The latest HD Blu-ray standard for DVD uses
MPEG 4 similar to Dish Network and DirecTV for delivering HD programs on satellite
networks.
MPEG 3 is becoming the standard for all the compressed files of digital audio. It was highly
popularized by the people who wanted to compress the huge amount of audio in a single CD.
Also, it is known to be the standard for all small players of digital media on the market today.
5 Strengths of MPEG
MPEG also was known as Motion Pictures Experts Group is the software to format the video
which technology is called as MPEG 1. This software is well supported and sustained in most of
video players and browsers.
MPEG makes use of the advanced algorithm for compression as compared to other compressors.
It also supports the streaming and makes itself a good choice and selection for the distribution of
end product video through DVDs and internet.
The video of MPEG is of better quality as compared to other software. If the goal is for sharing
the video footage through email or YouTube and play videos over mobile devices, then
compressed format of MPEG is what we need (Veletsianos, et al., 2016).

MULTIMEDIA 8
The MPEG4s are known to be compressed formatted file that quickly becomes the standard for
streaming, mobile platform, and internet usage. They give high quality of video in a small
package that makes them desired file format to be shared on the internet as well as storing in
which storing is very limited.
The significant benefit of MPEG involves high-quality f video at fairly low rates of data. It is
considered as the best solution in which we may position/size the video at any place over the
screen in MPEG Format.
Explanation on Five Emerging Technology
Next-generation of Display Technology
Next generation display technology will consistently drive collaborative ad interactive learning
beginning with the multiple touch screens that respond to any touch received from the students
who are working either together on a project or learning independently (Steinmetz, et al., 2013).
Flexible and Foldable like those developed with the technology of active matrix organic light
emitting diode are over near horizon as well as will provide students more portable alternatives
of computing to present smartphones and tablets.
Digital Interactive Textbooks
Digital Interactive Textbooks provide many advantages on the traditional paper corresponding
item which includes green option and competitive price at the time when the trend of bringing
your device enters the schools (Steinmetz, et al., 2013). As this technology of digital interactive
textbook gets matured, the students attain more engaging and self-selected learning paths.
Specifically, the embedded links and videos and note-taking social media feeds and tools commit

MULTIMEDIA 9
a future where the interactive textbooks seamlessly get merged with complete classroom
experience along with adapting unique preferences and requirements of the individual users.
Augmented Reality
Relying on the ubiquity of digital equipment, the educators may tap into present Augmented
Reality experience or develop on their own. For example, DAQRI has developed Anatomy 4D
and Elements 4D, the programs which combine the interactive virtual content with downloadable
printed materials which is retrieved by pointing the camera of the device over printed downloads
(Steinmetz, et al., 2013). Through Augmented reality, the students may explore the elements
present in the periodic table to have interaction with each other. In subsequent days, the
Augmented Reality will become a major mode to supplement the classroom information. The
companies like ThingLink provide educators ability for customizing the lessons through
annotations of real world videos and images with coated content delays
Virtual Reality and Immersive Learning
Virtual reality is having the potential for influencing all the educational level with most
interesting and innovating applications which include collaboration of virtual space in students
within multiple schools; the college tours for all incoming students as well as experience of
occupation for a “day in life of” for the students who deliberate over what opportunities need to
be pursued and what courses must be taken (Steinmetz, et al., 2013). Also, virtual reality will be
crucial to expose the students to worldwide proceedings without any compromise over safety
like the experience which is co-created by Google with the department of UK for international
development and creation on eradication of Ebola.
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Prescriptive Analytics

MULTIMEDIA 10
Big data is defined as the exponential amount of information which is accumulated by
organizations because of increasing connectivity. Sensor connections, video analysis, financial
transactions, web site hits and social media are few of the methods where Big Data is created.
This data is then used by analytics for identifying the potentially hidden insights for helping in
optimizing of performance (Steinmetz, et al., 2013). Prescriptive analytics that makes use of
Artificial Intelligence enabled software not only help in collection and analysis of data but makes
predictions about how the data affects educational students and institutions. It can help to
produce the results in a personalized approach to education which reacts in actual time for the
input given by student that ultimately lower the failure rates. Also, it will cause better evaluation
of risk factors and elements for dropping out of the school that pinpoints precise moments and
factors of confusion in the process of learning which may cause the student frustration. Also, it
will help in improvising strategies of financial aid for operating budget of school and students by
using better tracking of metrics.
Conclusion and Recommendations
By findings, the below-mentioned recommendations can be suggested for overcoming the
barriers as well as successfully integration of new technology in the classroom for learning and
teaching.
Provide timely and ongoing professional growth for educators: the major key and area to success
for integration of new technology with education involves providing the teachers with sufficient
professional development regarding the best use of technology. It is necessary to give hands-on
and practical training to the teachers regarding the use of technology regarding classroom and
curriculum (Rennie, et al., 2013). It is also necessary to emphasize the combination of
technology with pedagogy. It needs to be assessed that how the use of new technology can

MULTIMEDIA 11
benefit instruction of teacher and student learning. Also, demonstrate that how technology may
give the solutions to students for improving the skills of students and evaluation of students and
also completing arduous tasks of teachers like writing report cards, recording scores and marking
assignments. Strategies must be developed and formulated for engaging every teacher involved
in professional development as well as ensure the comfort to use new technology.
Virtual Classroom concept by Moodle-based learning management system is defined as a virtual
classroom which permits the participants (Students and teachers) to have communication with
each other, engage with the resources present in work groups, have interaction with various other
participants, view videos or presentations.
Non-Restricting: The virtual classroom permits the instructors and learners all across the globe to
make their participation in interaction and collaboration in live classes. A preset instance of this
same concept is Coursera by MOOC program.
Affordable: the main advantage in this concept involves the low expense and cost in virtual
classroom installations. The learners can save their money as they do not need to worry
regarding the travel expenses. Also, the participants save their time as they only need an internet
connection (Moshir, et al., 2017).
Flexible Learning: the online classes permit for the ability for recording class which also
includes visuals and audio. It also means that content is still available and accessible after it is
being delivered. It can be an extra advantage for the people who need a fast refresher.
Practical and Proven: Synchronized learning is defined as a learning environment in which
everyone does take part in the process of learning at the similar time. The traditional lecture is an

MULTIMEDIA 12
instance of the same kind of learning. Online learning classes presented by Moodle Based
Learning Management System makes enabled the similar experienced, along with far more tolls
and conveniences.
Accessible: Moodle Based Learning Management system's Virtual Classrooms concept may be
used for delivering lectures and even all the tutorials online. It is also considered as a great
choice for group projects and impromptu meetings where the members are required to check the
on progress as well as bounce ideas related to one another. The collaborators and ideas are
always close to each other and never far away with the virtual environment.

MULTIMEDIA 13

MULTIMEDIA 14
Reference
Al‐Qahtani, A. A., & Higgins, S. E. (2013). Effects of traditional, blended and e‐learning on
students' achievement in higher education. Journal of computer assisted learning, 29(3), 220-
234.
Bora, U. J., & Ahmed, M. (2013). E-learning using cloud computing. International Journal of
Science and Modern Engineering, 1(2), 9-12.
Cheston, C. C., Flickinger, T. E., & Chisolm, M. S. (2013). Social media use in medical
education: a systematic review. Academic Medicine, 88(6), 893-901.
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven
guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. John Wiley & Sons.
Feng, D., Siu, W. C., & Zhang, H. J. (Eds.). (2013). Multimedia information retrieval and
management: Technological fundamentals and applications. Springer Science & Business
Media.
Hughes, M., Morgan, R. E., Ireland, R. D., & Hughes, P. (2014). Social capital and learning
advantages: a problem of absorptive capacity. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 8(3), 214-
233.
Moshir, K. K., Moshir, S. S., & Shafiezadeh, H. (2017). U.S. Patent No. 9,680,803. Washington,
DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Rennie, F., & Morrison, T. (2013). E-learning and social networking handbook: Resources for
higher education. Routledge.
Steinmetz, R., & Nahrstedt, K. (2013). Multimedia systems. Springer Science & Business Media.

MULTIMEDIA 15
Veletsianos, G. (2016). The Defining Characteristics of Emerging Technologies and Emerging
Practices in Digital Education. Emergence and Innovation in Digital Learning: Foundations and
Applications.