Week 8 Entry: Multimedia

SPRING 2011 COM 125: Introduction to the Internet

Blog Entry 7: Multimedia on the Internet

A.C. Quote of the Day: "Catch up by learning how to learn."

"Multimedia is a computer-based interactive communications process that incorporates text, graphics, sound, animation, and video." What I found most interesting about class today was the topic of multimedia combined with engineering. Honestly, the best example that could be given would be that of the Apple corporation.

I currently own a 4th generation iPod Nano and an iPad. It was very interesting to watch Steve Jobbs' presentations of the new devices that were created by Apple. From the iPod, to the iPhone, to the iPad. It was funny watching and hearing reactions from the audiences when Touchscreen technology was first incorporated into the iPhone. They were in such awe and were gasping and clapping in excitement.

I sat there finding myself amused at the reactions like these technologies were created a decade ago, when they were actually created within this decade. This only shows how quickly technology is developing every single day.

Another fascinating video we watched involved using hypermedia to treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) patients. I find myself not fully agreeing with the therapy, because I think that it could cause people to become even more depressed instead of overcoming the problem. Class ended with a discussion on Education in multimedia application.

As for ideas of life-saving during a crisis?

I think that phones can have radio receivers, applications for Morse code and in-built tracking devices. GPS-tracking and maps would come in handy too. While these may sound like we're taking a step back from technology, we need to rely on these oldies-but-goodies to save lives in a crisis. This is also in consideration of the fact that phone receptions are lost, particularly in time of crisis and chaos.