What is multimedia?
Multimedia utilizes multiple approaches to illustrate a perspective view on what an individual would like to convey. The different approaches utitized, add an emphasized richness to any text filled presentation with a few pictures. The ability to incorporate text with sound, graphics, animation, and movies is a powerful motivational tool for students in pursuit of their educational interests.
Planning the Project
Each project is the culmination of preplanning and organization. Click on the following link to find out more information on planning a project. Planning a Project
Kid Pix, Kid Pix Deluxe,
Kid Pix, regardless of the version of the program used, is one of a number of authoring software programs that enable the user to create multimedia projects which might include sound, graphics, and animation. The planning and creation from individual interest has a tremendous impact in the motivation of any student, who would otherwise be confined to the information found in predescribed fashion.
Getting Started With Kid Pix
When using Kid Pix to create a booklet of student work with fanciful art and descriptive text that highlight student application of research information. As with any book, the first card would have a title and author(s) name, followed by a series of cards that portray scenes from a trip to the zoo or aquarium. With Kid Pix Slideshow each card follows in a linear path.
Planning is the key for any project!
A carefully planned storyboard with reference to text (T) and graphics (G) will help when planning the project. The use of a storyboard will enable students to plan and organize their projects before using the computer. It represents a projected map which provides each student a plan to follow. A storyboard can simply be a piece of folder paper folded in four which can be used to frame any project. The next few paragraphs will focus on the Kid Pix tools.
The Layout
The following image depicts the KidPix screen.
The color palette offers a multitude of colors to select. Use the
left and right arrows to increase the number of colors available.
With limited computer time, each project should be carefully thought out and planning should be done before attempting to assemble the project. A storyboard provides a map for each child to follow when creating their project. A simple storyboard with 4 cards using folder paper enables students to plan how they would like to portray their projects. With KidPix, the sequence would be linear from card A to card B.
The intent of Project ONE is to familiarize you to the draw tools found in KidPix and to be able to create a slideshow that will link all your cards.
For this project, we will design 4 cards. Each card will pertain to something about you.
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Card one will be an introduction. Design your card and include 3-5 sentences about yourself. Then add your voice.
Each student has a photo on disk or in a file on an accesible file. You will need this photo to create your first card. Draw a frame and decorate it then import your picture. You will also be able to import sound from your desktop.
After opening the application, go to File and choose Open to import the photo. Scroll to the chosen photo and click the Open button. For KidPix Studio and Deluxe users, click on Center to ensure that the picture fits the screen. Use any of the draw tools to add to the photo.
Click on the Rectangle tool to create your picture frame. Choose your color from the color palette. Remember, you have a few options on the texture and color of the frame.
After creating your picture frame, Click on the Paint Can to fill in the frame. Click a color in the color palette. Position the cursor within the frame and click to fill the frame. Option: use stamps to decorate around the frame.
While holding the Option key, click the Text tool. Kid Pix Studio users should click on the Text tool from the Keyboard. Kidpix Deluxe users should click on the Typewriter tool. Choose a font from the option bar at the bottom of the screen, click beneath the picture. Type an introduction such as, "Hello, my name is _____!" Or "Aloha, I'm ____________!"
Use the Delete key to correct any errors that may occur. Remember, once you click on the mouse, the test cannot be changed.
Pull down the Goodies menu and choose Record Sound. Use as a regular tape recorder. After completing this task, pull down the File menu and choose Save As. Be sure to include the student's name and project in the title. Save in the selected folder.
Card TWO - At Home with My Family
Card two will be about your life at
home. Who are the members of your family? Do you have any
pets?
For card two, use the draw tools to create a picture of your family. Use the Typewriter or Text tool to name each family member or pet and to write 4 - 6 sentences about your family. The Stamp tool can be used for a rough draft of the people in your family. Use the Shift key for a larger sized image. Save that masterpiece.
Card THREE - My Interests
Card Three will focus on your
interests and hobbies. Include your photo to depict a scene of you
doing one of your hobbies or interests. Write 4 - 6 sentences about
your picture. As always, sound is an option. Save your
masterpiece.
Card FOUR - At Work|
Card Four will be about you at your
job. What do you find interesting every day? Use your photo and the
draw tools to create a picture about you on the job.Write 4 - 6
sentences about the picture. Sound is an option. Save your
work.
SlideSHOW - All About Me!
The slideshow we will create will
inform everyone about you. Double click on the Slide show
icon.
The following screen will appear. Each blank screen is a slide in the slideshow. Notice the background in the first slide is different from the other slides. You are working on the first slide. Each picture can be shifted to another slide.
There are four options available with this screen: picture selection, sound, transition, and duration.
Picture sound
transition
Click on picture to select a picture.
The sound selection will enable you to include sound on each card.
The transition option will create a visual effect to each
slide.
Duration of slide
The TimeSlider controls the duration the
slide will be shown.
If you press on picture selection, the following screen will
appear.
The sound selection will bring up the next screen. Click on the microphone to include voice. The preview button will allow you to hear the sound.
The transition button will set the visual effects from one slide to another. You are able to view the transition by selecting Preview.
To Animate Through SlideShow (FlipBook)
To animate a scene with slideshow, think in terms of a flipbook. Each scene is a copy of the previous and following page. The transition should be set at 1 or 2 seconds depending upon the speed of the action. After drawing your scenes, use the slideshow feature to compile the slideshow.
Other Themes and Ideas:
Other Optional Themes using your
picture on the card:
Super Hero of the Month
If I Were A (Animal)
Sportscard of the Athlete of the
Month
Greatest American Hero
Electronic Book Reports
Quizzes and Riddles
Templates
For students who are experiencing difficulty in creating cards create a template from which to work. After designing and saving your file, go to the File menu and Get Info. Be sure to lock the file so the students will not be able to change the original card.