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MULTIMEDIA COURSE READER

Featured ATL Patron
Marina Brodskaya
Language Instructor, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Lecturer, Continuing Studies

Project Description

I wanted to produce an enhanced digital version of a language course reader available on a CD set. The goal of the project was to convert and expand a printed reader into a cross-platform multimedia teaching and learning tool. The digital reader would contain sound files, movie clips, images, hyperlinks, as well as related assignments on Stanford's Coursework site and other exercises.

The Process

The first step was to scan the text version of the reader with OmniPage Pro and save it as a PowerPoint file. I chose the PowerPoint format because it allowed me to add various forms of media to the text of the reader.

With the help of the ATL team, I used the recording studio to record the reader text in segments. I then digitized the sound files, and saved them as .wav files. We experimented with different settings until we came up with a small enough file while maintaining clarity of sound. The files were then either stored or burned onto CDs for later assembly into the project.

I have also created a Coursework site to enable students to record answers to questions at the bottom of the page in the electronic reader and send the answers to the instructor.

The Outcome

The pages below show the various stages of the project's development: the first page is a scanned page from the reader; the second page has sound files and illustration; and the third page has sound and movie files linked to it. The students are able to record their answers to the questions at the bottom of page and post the answers on CourseWork. (Click on the thumbnails for full view).

Sample Sound File

Lessons Learned

While sound files can be recorded directly into software applications, the sound quality is uneven at best. I was very happy with the facility and the resourcefulness of the ATL team that allowed me to have control over the quality of the final project. I learned the process well enough eventually and worked independently. But if I ran into a problem, I knew that Kim, Jackie and Natalie were there to bail me out. This collaboration allowed me to produce a higher-quality language-learning product and deliver it to the students.

Future Projects at the ATL

I would like to create a database for additional vocabulary, grammar and comprehension exercises and link it to CourseWork. I hope to accomplish Phase Two of the project this year and make the multimedia reader and the exercises available to students and instructors at Stanford.