Discussed below are five products to help you develop rich media content: Audacity, Powerpoint, Impatica, Camtasia, and Captivate. The information in this article is also captured in a spreadsheet - download the PDF version here or read the article below.
All the programs below create rich media products that can be viewed on Mac and Windows platforms. The first three, Audacity, PowerPoint and Impatica for PowerPoint, can be used to develop content on either a Mac or Windows platform but the rest of the programs require a Windows system to develop the content.
Open source software for recording and editing sounds
Where to find it
Details on Usage and Instructional Application
Used to create presentations which can contain text, graphics, sound, video and animation. Can also be used with Impatica for digital distribution. Can also be saved as a single PDF file or as a web page.
Where to find it
- Installed on all WWU office, classroom & lab computers
- Work at home rights if licensed on a campus office computer
- No charge for WWU faculty & staff
- Available to students as part of Microsoft Office Suite through a variety of venues including the AS Bookstore with the Education version starting at $149.
Details on Usage and Instructional Application
Converts PowerPoint files containing text, graphics, sound, video and
animation into a highly compressed format (HTML and two Java archive files) which plays online as originally designed on all platforms and browsersWhere to find it
Faculty and Staff: from ATUS Software Services
- No charge to faculty; at-home use allows installation on office and personal computers
WWU students: from Impatica
- students are eligible to purchase and install the IMPATICA software on their own computers for $20/year
Details on Usage and Instructional Application
Records all actions on your computer screen with accompanying audio and/or video input
Where to find it
- from ATUS Software Services for $299
WWU students (and faculty and staff):
from TechSmith ($299 - Camtasia 4)
- from Academic Superstore or other similar academic discounters
Details on Usage and Instructional Application
Records all onscreen actions, voiceover narration, typing and mouse sounds, and creates an interactive Flash simulation.
Demonstration, Guided Practice and Assessment modes
Can be used in “graphics mode” to present a multimedia slide show
Where to find it
Faculty and Staff:
- from ATUS Software Services for $103
Students:
- from Academic Superstore or other similar academic discounters
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10.24.2006
