inFusion:� Simplifying Online Course Creation
In order for faculty to become involved in the development of online or computer enhanced lecture materials, the production process must be easy and convenient.� We have developed a presentation development system called inFusion that makes it possible to create online presentations almost instantly.� Lecturers use a very simple interface (below, right) to synchronize graphics, video and audio into a coherent presentation viewable in any browser, as shown below.
These lecture modules consist of multiple synchronized media types.� A typical application is synchronization of still slides with a talking head.� However, media can also include animations, audio, multiple video clips, multiple synchronized still images, and text.� The presentation format is flexible, allowing the presenter to change backgrounds, the elements included, and the layout.� This flexibility allows an instructor to tailor presentations to his teaching style, the learning style of his students, and the material.� Any of the media windows can be made �hot,� with links to supplementary material, readings, or other lectures.� These links can change as the presentation progresses, allowing the creation of context-sensitive links to additional material.
The primary advantages of inFusion are simplicity and portability.� Although many of the Internet courses we have produced at Georgia Tech have been filmed in a small studio, instructors can also capture lectures in the classroom, in their own office, or at home.� A portable production system can consist of as little as a laptop and a USB camera.� Instructors, even with little or no previous experience with inFusion, can create effective and engaging online lectures without the need for additional production personnel.� We have found that the availability of these tools has increased interest in creating online courses among the faculty at Georgia Tech.
We have made inFusion freely available at www.ece.gatech.edu/streaming.
Last Updated on 8/29/2005