Using digital media provides seminar leaders, classroom instructors and others with creative opportunities for enhancing both face-to-face and web-based presentations. Free software products are available which are easy to use, and will allow instructors to add audio, video or slideshow components to new or existing presentations. With the various formats available, content can be created that is deliverable over both high and low speed networks, as well as through CD distribution.

Digitl media formats provide opportunities to create pronunciation guides, chapter reviews, lecture notes and introductions to departmental services. Individuals can showcase image collections and provide on-site demonstrations.

In general, web-based (or streaming) video is best delivered over a high-speed Internet connection or through CD distribution.

Web-based (or streaming) Audio and Slideshows can typically be delivered over most Internet connections, as well as on CD.

It’s important to keep the following in mind when choosing a digital media format. Choose the format carefully: 1) determine the your audience’s most common Internet connection type (such as LAN, Cable Modem, Dial-up Modem, no Internet connection); and 2) use a digital media format that will reach the widest possible audience (streaming video is best for high-speed connections, or streaming audio and slideshows which can typically be delivered to any connection type). Presentations created in all formats can also be distributed via CD.

Following are general guidelines for creating digital media projects.

• use a high quality microphone
• read from a prepared script
• speak slowly and clearly; carefully pronounce words
• pause frequently ( before starting your recording, and between long sentences and paragraphs ) for the benefit of your listening audience
• record in a quiet environment, free from any interruptions (including: cell phones, pagers, etc.)
• practice and review a short test recording
• keep your final recording under 15 minutes
• preview your final recording before delivering to your intended audience
• Copyright and Fair Usage laws apply
• provide a text-only version as an alternative format

• use good quality images (recommended resolution is 96 dpi; recommended file size under 150k)
• if including optional audio narration, follow Audio guidelines above
• suggested presentation length should be under10 minutes
• preview final slideshow before delivering to your intended audience
• Copyright and Fair Usage laws apply
• provide a text-only version as an alternative format

• plan your recording session carefully - recordings often take longer then expected
• video tape with a specific purpose in mind; avoid recording excess footage
• use a tripod at all times to minimize camera movement
• record in a well-lit environment
• be careful of reflections and glare (from eyeglasses, windows, computer screens, etc)
• keep subjects within frame of view; record more of the subject matter and less of the surroundings
• ask subjects to wear solid neutral colors
• prepare your audio script ahead of time
• use a high quality microphone
• use a lavalier (lapel) microphone for interviews, instead of the camera’s built-in microphone, whenever possible
• speak slowly and clearly; carefully pronounce words
• practice and review a short test recording
• keep your final recording under 8 minutes
• preview your final recording before delivering to your intended audience
• Copyright and Fair Usage laws apply
• provide a text-only version (including image descriptions) as an alternative format