Issues in multi-media information networks

In an integrated service environment, where users exchange various types of aural and visual information, networks should appear friendly to its users providing tools for management of multi-media information. Networks should also efficiently satisfy diverse performance requirements of different information being exchanged.In this paper we present new architecture for integrated service networks being investigated and developed by the Distributed Computation and Communication Group at the Department of Computer Science in the Columbia University. Research efforts are devoted to developing both (1) document management software to allow users to manipulate and relate text/graphics/voice information in a dynamic way, and (2) a tree network architecture for reliable and efficient exchange of multi-media information

Multi-Media As a Cognitive Tool

Two of the modalities used to present information to students, namely, animation and verbal representation are in a constant competition in effectiveness, without any persistent winner, except when it comes to conceptual versus procedural knowledge. Here, we present an architecture that combines the two into a multi-media tutoring system. This system is tested and results indicate that combining the two media leads to a cognitive interaction that promotes student learning with no less than 40% from their post classical-classroom session levels. A test for individual differences indicates that this group is almost equally divided between those described as “spatially oriented” and those described as “verbally oriented”. Learning across the two types of learners does not show any significant differences, except with respect to one question. This implies that perhaps, the two media may have ambiguous internal factors that support each other. Additionally, individual learning styles does not seem to be a clear-cut division, and is instead a “preference” of one modality as a primary source of learning, not an only one

Impact of gambling technologies in a multi-media world

In many countries there appears to be a slow shift from gambling being taken out of gambling environments and into the home and the workplace. Historically, what we have witnessed is a shift from destination resorts (such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City) to individual gaming establishments in most major cities (e.g., betting shops, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls). More recently there has been a large increase in single site gambling opportunities (e.g., slot machines in non-gaming venues, lottery tickets sold in mainstream retail outlets), to gambling from home or work (e.g., Internet gambling, i-TV gambling)

Generalised Decision Level Ensemble Method for Classifying Multi-media Data

In recent decades, multimedia data have been commonly generated and used in various domains, such as in healthcare and social media due to their ability of capturing rich information. But as they are unstructured and separated, how to fuse and integrate multimedia datasets and then learn from them eectively have been a main challenge to machine learning. We present a novel generalised decision level ensemble method (GDLEM) that combines the multimedia datasets at decision level. After extracting features from each of multimedia datasets separately, the method trains models independently on each media dataset and then employs a generalised selection function to choose the appropriate models to construct a heterogeneous ensemble. The selection function is dened as a weighted combination of two criteria: the accuracy of individual models and the diversity among the models. The framework is tested on multimedia data and compared with other heterogeneous ensembles. The results show that the GDLEM is more exible and eective

Integration of knowledge-based system, artificial neural networks and multimedia for gear design

Design is a complicated area consisting of a combination of rules, technical information and personal judgement. The quality of design depends highly on the designer's knowledge and experience. This system attempts to simulate the design process and to capture design expertise by combining artificial neural networks (ANNs) and knowledge based system (KBS) together with multi-media (MM). It has been applied to the design of gears. Within the system the knowledge based system handles clearly defined design knowledge, the artificial neural networks capture knowledge which is difficult to quantify and multi-media provides a user-friendly interface prompting the user to input information and to retrieve results during design process. The finished system illustrates how features of different Artificial Intelligence techniques, KBS, ANNs and MM, are combined in a hybrid manner to conduct complicated design tasks

Helping to keep history relevant : mulitmedia and authentic learning

The subject based curriculum attracts lively debate in many countries being accused of fragmenting teaching and learning, erecting artificial barriers and failing to teach the skills required in the twenty first century (Hazlewood 2005). Cross-curricular rich tasks are increasingly seen as the means to develop relevant knowledge, understanding and skills. Over the past fourteen years we have developed and evaluated a series of interactive multi-media resources for primary and secondary schools on themes within Scottish History. The generally positive evaluation given to these resources by pupils and teachers points to some ways in which subjects such as history can remain challenging and relevant. The relevance has largely stemmed, in the case of the multi-media resources, from combining the historian's traditional role of problemising the past, with a wide range of primary and secondary sources, new technologies and learning tasks encompassing critical skills/authentic learning. Consequently, we argue that subjects must in future embrace new technologies and authentic learning to maintain their place in the school curriculum

Classroom project: Development of a multi-media package: Head and neck anatomy

Thesis (M.Sc.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1977 (Dental Public Health).Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 6,13)

Asynchronously Replicated Shared Workspaces for a Multi-Media Annotation Service over Internet

This paper describes a world wide collaboration system through multimedia Post-its (user generated annotations). DIANE is a service to create multimedia annotations to every application output on the computer, as well as to existing multimedia annotations. Users collaborate by registering multimedia documents and user generated annotation in shared workspaces. However, DIANE only allows effective participation in a shared workspace over a high performance network (ATM, fast Ethernet) since it deals with large multimedia object. When only slow or unreliable connections are available between a DIANE terminal and server, useful work becomes impossible. To overcome these restrictions we need to replicate DIANE servers so that users do not suffer degradation in the quality of service. We use the asynchronous replication service ODIN to replicate the shared workspaces to every interested site in a transparent way to users. ODIN provides a cost-effective object replication by building a dynamic virtual network over Internet. The topology of this virtual network optimizes the use of network resources while it satisfies the changing requirements of the users

The Effect of Multi-media Instruction on Student Learning

This study investigated on the effect of multi-media instruction in improving student learning of students. Forty eight students enrolled in World Literature course were used as subjects of the study. Multi-media instruction was utilized in the experimental group while the traditional teaching method was used for the control group. This study utilized the Quasi-Experimental Design. The pre-test mean scores identified the primary knowledge of the participants. After the conduct of the selected topics using multi-media instruction, the students were given a post-test. Results showed the students who were exposed to multi-media instruction had enhanced academic performance in the World Literature course. Apparently, results on the post-test mean scores of the students revealed that there is a significant effect on the academic performance of the experimental group in which the multi-media instruction had been employed.  Thereby, students who had multi-media instruction executed better learning than students who were taught in the traditional teaching method. Furthermore, results typify that there is a significant relationship between the students’ motivations in learning English and their academic performance in the World Literature course.    Keywords: Multi-media instruction, student learning, technology, academic performance, World Literatur

GeoLearn: Multi-media Resources

This paper examines the potential of pedagogically designed video demonstrations in supporting the learning requirements of students in the Spatial Information Sciences (DSIS). Currently, over three hundred full and part-time students in the College of Engineering and Built Environment undertake a module in Land Surveying each semester and although these students range in discipline and academic level (NQAI 6-8), they all share a need for basic information and instruction in the area of practical land-surveying techniques. To accommodate this highly practical subject area, 50% of contact time is normally dedicated to group-based field exercises, the results of which are formally assessed. To enhance the students’ practical learning experience in Land Surveying modules and provide a mobile (m)learning resource a number of short videos with voice-over instruction have been developed. These YouTube clips, of approximately three minutes in duration each, show the correct use of automatic levels and digital theodolites and can be directly accessed in the field via a web and video enabled mobile platform. This study highlight the effectiveness of designing high quality mlearning resource material for use in a wide range of disciplines by undergraduate students during their basic Land Surveying modules. Furthermore, it evaluates the effectiveness of this student-centric approach to practical learning in terms of learners’ potential for mlearning, learner motivation and also perceptions of understanding and retention with regard to course content for both full-time students and professional learners. Outcomes of this study indicate that the use of videos hosted on YouTube is very positive as it presents few barriers to learners in terms of access and usability