Level 3 - Formats

Multi-media

Page Contents

1. What is multi-media production?
2. How can multi-media production be made accessible?
3. Not all multi-media productions are accessible
4. When to use multi-media
5. Reference

1. What is multi-media production?

Multi-media production for computer users has become a popular method to package information in more appealing, engaging and for some people, interactive ways. Publications can be turned into mini-movies complete with sound, video, text and graphics making learning more effective, enjoyable and rewarding.

Popular methods used to distribute multi-media production include Compact Disc and the Internet.

2. How can multi-media production be made accessible?

A technical language known as SMIL or "Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language" allows the author to provide additional or alternate content the user can choose to receive. While the synchronized audio and video portions of a movie may be the default presentation, the author can add other layers. These may include alternate language audio tracks, text for open captioning and described video tracks.

SMIL can therefore make information in multi-media productions accessible to a greater number of people.

3. Not all multi-media productions are accessible

Not all multi-media formats are currently capable of being made fully accessible.

Newer versions of some multi-media production tools are addressing the inaccessibility of their formats but production authors must use those features in order to maximize accessibility. Developers must also ensure that e-text or described video layers are created and included. In addition, productions made with older versions of multi-media authoring tools will remain inaccessible on the Internet.

4. When to use Multi-Media

While multi-media production can be based on any type of publication, it is most effective when trying to communicate information that might otherwise be difficult or time consuming to learn through a traditional printed product.

This can make multi-media production an appropriate format for people with learning disabilities as well as today's time-pressured business person who needs to absorb information quickly.

Always add accessibility: As a minimum, it is recommended that your multi-media production include the e-text equivalent to all audio and video. Additional content layers, such as alternate languages, can be added depending upon the anticipated audience.

How to address older productions: Multi-media productions that are not fully accessible should either be redone or be accompanied by a complete e-text version.

5. Reference

For more information on producing and using multi-media formats, consult the toolkit.

Next Module: On-Screen Text

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