Utilizing IHETS Interactive Web conferencing, Dr. Brian C. Dean, an assistant professor of computer science at Clemson University, demonstrates creating supplemental course content in the form of dynamic multimedia.

March 15, 2007
Contact: communications@ihets.org

There are many concepts in mathematics, computer science, and other areas of study that are easy to describe in person but harder to explain in written text. In this session, Dr. Brian C. Dean discussed creating supplemental course content in the form of dynamic multimedia "whiteboard lectures". These involve tablet computing environments (tablet PC, electronic whiteboard, etc.) consisting of dynamic handwriting with synchronized audio which can be played via the Web with a low-to-medium bandwidth connection. Dr. Dean demonstrated the use of LectureScribe; a free software tool he wrote for creating these animations and shared his experiences using this tool for his own classes.

“One of my primary interests is educational technology in general,” said Dean, “and in particular using pen computing environments to develop more effective multimedia content for teaching in computer science but for other disciplines as well.”

LectureScribe records pen input along with audio and produces highly-compressed Macromedia Flash videos as output.  These files can be posted to Web sites or e-mailed to students. They are easy to view since essentially all modern web browsers have the ability to play back Flash videos without downloading any special software, Dean reported.

The application is intended for creating short learning objects typically of 10-15 minutes in length for courses or modules. “The ideal situation for using LectureScribe is to make short self-contained explanations and put them on a Web site for students to access, essentially creating little 'mini-lectures' as supplemental material,” said Dean.

He currently is in the process of setting up a message board for users to post questions and suggestions, as well as share content produced with LectureScribe and similar programs.  For more information on the application and other projects Dr. Dean is working on, you may contact him at bcdean@cs.clemson.edu.

2ndWednesdays@Noon is a professional development program for instructional technologists and faculty at Indiana colleges and universities. Each month, members of Indiana's higher education community share information and ideas on a wide range of topics related to the use of technology for classroom and online instruction. If you are interested in learning more about key issues, innovative programs, effective practices, and exciting new tools for teaching and learning, be sure to join us every second Wednesday of the month at noon.

IHETS offers a host of other e-learning services to increase educational access, enhance instruction, enrich student learning, meet state needs for economic and workforce development, facilitate research collaborations, and efficiently conduct business. To learn how your organization can use IHETS e-learning services to increase educational access, enhance professional development, or improve collaboration, contact Susan Scott, IHETS director of e-learning, at sscott@ihets.org or 317.263.8926