audio and video decisions

Adding audio and video to e-learning can be a great way to engage multiple learning channels. However, it takes some planning and preparation. You have to know your intended audience and the environment where they will access the e-learning. Then you have to decide which elements will enhance the learning rather than detract from it.

My current instructional design project targets mental health clinicians, who most likely will access the learning modules from computers in their private clinical offices or group meeting rooms in both in-patient and out-patient settings. I want to enhance the web-based content with some multimedia elements, but since some may have dial-up modems, I have to keep file sizes small.

Audio on a web-page can include narration voiceovers, non-speech sound effects, and music. For this particular audience, music and sound effects may be distracting and annoying, so I plan to use a few simple voice recordings. For instance, when a case vignette is presented, the learner will have a choice - to listen to an auditory version and/or read a text transcript. Adding controls for audio play, pause and stop and a slider for volume control will allow interaction with the learning content.

Video on a web-page typically sits in a very small window – 320 x 240 pixels is the recommended space. For optimal viewing, it’s important to use tight, close shots, keeping the background to a minimum. For this project, the best way to incorporate video may be to film a close-up of an expert giving a welcome message and an introduction to the program.