Multimedia Authoring Tools 

         Multimedia is a way of presenting information by combining multiple types of media. Multimedia is used to present and combine text, graphics, audio, and video with links and tools that let the user navigate and interact with the content presented. Multimedia applications can be used in many areas, such as education, businesses, homes, and public places  (Fen,2017). Information is presented in an interesting and interactive manner using various formats. This creates meaningful learning experiences with any users who interact with the content. It stimulates various senses as the user collaborates with the information being presented. These different stimuli cause enhanced communication, greater accessibility, and increased retention. There are a variety of multimedia applications that can be used to create an array of different presentations. The following are some examples of such. 

Video and Audio- Screencastify

        Screencastify is a free Chrome extension that allows users to record, edit, and share videos on their computer screen. It is a Google for Education partner. Screencasting is the ability to capture, store, and share video of your device’s screen (PC, Mac or otherwise) — with audio or webcam footage if desired (Screencastify, 2017). This application exploded in popularity for educators during the COVID pandemic. It is one of the main go-to tools in my multimedia toolbox because it is easy to use and allows me to create various forms of multimedia presentations using video and audio formats. It is a fun and engaging way to create content, and provides QR codes and links to each video presentation you create.

Stock Photo- Pexels

        This is a website where you can find free stock photos, royalty-free images & videos shared by creators. Pexels is a free stock photo and video website and app that helps designers, bloggers, and everyone who is looking for visuals to find great photos and videos that can be downloaded and used for free (Pexels, n.d.). It is a great resource to find free accessible photos. You can custom search for specific images by topic or theme.

Animation- Powtoon

Powtoon is a web-based animation software that allows users to create animated videos and presentations. It's free to use, but there are also options to upgrade. Powtoon can be used for personal, educational, or business purposes. Powtoon adds a spark of awesomeness to everyday communications, turning content into substance people really want to watch and engage with. (Powtoon, n.d.). This is a great free animation resource to let your creation abilities flourish. 

Additional Resources:

LunaPic-

        LunaPic is a free online photo editing platform that allows users to edit, adjust, draw on, add borders and filters to, and animate images. Users can upload pictures from any computer, website, or social media option. They can also give the URL of the photo they want to edit. There are many editing options available and it does take time to explore and familiarize with the editing website. Once you learn the ins and outs, it is a great creation resource.

Book Creator-

        Book Creator is a digital tool that enables students to create and read multimodal digital books. Book Creator is the simplest, most inclusive way to create content in the classroom (‌Burns,2019). It is an ideal tool for enhancing student engagement through story creation and multimedia design. Book Creator can help students become creative problem solvers. It's also a tool for enhancing student engagement through story creation and multimedia design. Book Creator allows users to include the following in their digital books: Text, Images, Video, Sounds, Music, and Freehand drawings. Students can create digital books based on class assignments and topics. This is something I use almost weekly in my classroom, and my students LOVE it. They get to express themselves and use their digital skills to create. 

        After this week's readings and learning, it is apparent that integrating multimedia presentations creates meaningful learning experiences. This is a conclusion I have come to throughout my career as I reflect on multimedia presentations that my students and I have created throughout my career. My students have always had more success with multimedia presentations as they are actively engaged and interact with the learning content. It is often used to deliver information which is more powerful than printed learning resources such as printed textbooks. It also allows users to interact with the information quickly and accurately (Fen,2017). 

References 

‌About Us | Powtoon. (n.d.). Www.powtoon.com. https://www.powtoon.com/aboutus/ 

‌Burns, M. (2019). Book Creator app. Book Creator App. https://bookcreator.com/ 

Fen, T.A. (2017). Multimedia Applications for Educational Purposes. UKEssays.com. 

https://www.ukessays.com/essays/media/multimedia-applications-educational-4151.php 

‌LunaPic.com Photo Editor tool. (n.d.). Lunapic. https://www3.lunapic.com/editor/ 

Pexels. (n.d.). Free Stock Photos. Pexels.com; Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/ 

‌Screencastify. (2017). Screencastify Screen Recorder for Chrome. Screencastify Screen Recorder for Chrome. https://www.screencastify.com/