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Audio and visual elements enhance storytelling by providing the audience with a better understanding and making the story more compelling. They can evoke emotions and convey feelings that deepen the audience's connection to the narrative. These elements also add a sense of authenticity to your story or project, allowing you to connect and build rapport with your audience. Visual enhancements can immerse your audience in the story, making it more vivid and engaging. Additionally, audio can shape emotions and feelings through tone and verbal cues.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have the potential to significantly enhance efficiency and creativity in media production by reducing costs and improving content quality. These tools possess a range of real-world applications that enable the analysis of audience behavior and the provision of feedback on areas for improvement, thereby increasing overall engagement. Additionally, AI can effectively target specific social media platforms and market segments, facilitating an analysis of promotional strategies to identify those most likely to succeed.

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Audio and visual elements bring life to stories by showing emotional depth and context. I’ve always seen how adding background music or someone narrating to a video can enhance the connection with the audience. Especially in movies where subtle instrumental music can build suspense or depict a certain scene tone, dynamic visuals can help show abstract concepts more clearly. Robing (2008) tells us that combining narrative with digital media elements can create immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. Bringing these elements into the picture can help convey emotions, clarify intent, and create a long-lasting experience.

Robin, B. R. (2008). Digital storytelling: A powerful technology tool for the 21st-century classroom. Theory Into Practice, 47(3), 220–228. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802153916

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Virtual reality and 3D modeling have shaped how we engage with newer technologies that push the limits of hardware and software. In our community college, there are courses that teach you how to operate a boat using VR technology. Virtual reality has come as far as getting a student to fix an engine inside a boat through a simulation where they can receive hands-on training. Research shows that immersive environments like VR have increased learner engagement and motivation in the classroom (Radianti et al., 2020). These digital tools have turned learners into active participants who have shaped what’s possible in both storytelling and instruction.

Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., & Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda. Computers & Education, 147, Article 103778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778

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Common mistakes that I’ve encountered when using multimedia tools for presentations are the added amount of text on slides or flashy transitions that can distract the audience from the message the presenter wants to convey. One thing I’ve learned is to use clear visuals, limit the amount of text on slides, and make sure that the audio and the message are clear to my audience. When I used to work in IT, I would always test the media before someone presented to their department. Not testing media can lead to videos not loading properly, which can cause delays and frustrations. To avoid this, I created a checklist to make sure that everything is working properly and rehearsed.

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Using AI tools has made creating multimedia presentations more spontaneous and efficient for me. AI tools like Canva’s Magic Design and Wix’s picture design offer great design suggestions that enhance the visual appeal without needing a graphic design background. Wix’s AI Magic Design feature has helped me in so many ways when trying to make my pages look more appealing to my viewers. From what I have encountered with AI, it has helped me catch formatting errors and focus on storytelling rather than technical details.

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I believe that sound and images make stories better by engaging more of our senses. Music sets the mood and really can be scary, uplifting, or peaceful. Visuals like animations and pictures explain things words sometimes can't. Our video 'How to Create a Multimedia Presentation in 5 Easy Steps' shows that adding simple transitions, voice recordings, and background music can turn a basic slideshow into an engaging story. These elements help organize information and guide viewers through main points, making content more interesting and easier to remember.

By mixing sound and visuals, we can stir emotions, highlight key moments, and make content more relatable for different types of learners.

Brown, M. (2023, November 1). How to create a multimedia presentation in 5 easy steps [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YN5njR4cHM

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I can not imagine watching a movie without a soundtrack or sound effects. Audio and visuals make the story come to life. They set the mood and pull you into the plot. Background scores can heighten a dramatic scene or a song can make you cry during an emotional moment. By using both auditory and visual elements, the creators catch and keep your attention. According to Mayer’s (2009) Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, learners absorb and retain information more effectively when verbal and visual materials are presented together rather than separately.

In classrooms, multimedia storytelling can help diverse learners connect with content by activating both visual and auditory learning channels.

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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Multimedia presentations allow students to express their creativity and individuality. They provide a platform for students to learn how to structure and organize information by integrating different media elements that support their message. Critical thinking skills come into play as students analyze the effectiveness of these elements and their impact on the audience. Students also learn how to engage and communicate with one another through a virtual medium. They can collaborate on presentations, share resources, and divide tasks effectively. Multimedia presentations cater to various learning styles; for example, by using visual aids and audio narration, these elements enhance comprehension and retention. Additionally, they can be interactive to involve learners and adaptable to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

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I’ve seen how integrating AI into media production has saved a lot of time and pushed creativity in unexpected ways. I have been in classrooms where students use AI-powered video editors to automate tasks like adjusting the lighting on videos and cutting silences on certain scenes. This allows students to free up time to focus on other tasks. AI can act as a collaborator, enhancing creativity rather than replacing it (McCormack et al., 2019). In my experience using AI, I’ve often used tools that gave me ideas I wouldn’t have thought of.

McCormack, J., Gifford, T., & Hutchings, P. (2019). Autonomy, authenticity, and agency: A conceptual framework for understanding AI creativity. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Computational Creativity (pp. 1-8).

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I think that digital tools have been a real game changer within the classroom. They have redefined how audiences engage with content. But not just in the classroom, my sister is a real-estate photographer and uses Matterport for her clients. Being able to see the house with a 3D floor plan changed how clients who are relocating can view a house without having to travel. VR field trips helped break up the on screen time during covid. Tools such as this allow people to not only see but to feel like they are a part of the presentation.

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When using multimedia tools for presentations, common mistakes include overloading slides with text, using inconsistent design elements, and neglecting accessibility features such as captions or alt text. These errors can confuse audiences and hurt your presentation. Too many animations or transitions can also distract viewers.

In Dr. H's class, he clearly pointed out these problems using real examples, which helped me understand what was wrong with my own slides.

To fix these issues, keep slides simple, make sure visuals match what you're saying, and use the same fonts and colors throughout. As How to Create a Multimedia Presentation in 2024 explains, planning your structure and testing on different devices helps create a professional presentation.

Reference
Creative Minds. (2024, February 12). How to create a multimedia presentation in 2024 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKXZ2-DHRAM

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Digital tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Padlet, Miro, and Slack create shared digital workspaces that allow team members to brainstorm, assign tasks, and track progress in real time. We are a group have used Padlet and Google to communicate with each other and facilitate feedback. These tools allow us to work around each others schedules and time constraints. Comments, chat threads, version history, and live editing features promote transparency and smooth communication. Liu et al. (2022) highlight that digital collaboration tools not only improve workflow but allow groups to foster a culture of co-construction and shared responsibility.

Liu, X., et al. (2022). “Collaborative learning in online environments: A systematic review.” Educational Research Review, 35, 100438.

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Canva is my best friend when it comes to creating multimedia presentations or just designs in general for my classroom. AI- powered tools significantly improve how efficiently these are created as well as the polished end look. These tools analyze content and automatically generate visual layouts, suggest icons or images, and format slides based on the tone or topic. They also offer real-time language refinement, grammar checks, and image enhancements. This has truly become one of my go-to tools when creating worksheets or activities for my students.

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One thing that I have learned throughout this program is that the slides should not have a ton of information on them. I learned the 5/5/5 rule. Which is limit yourself to 5 words per line, 5 lines per slide and no more than 5 heavy text slides in a row. Poor design choices are another common mistake. Clean and easy to read fonts are important as well as using relevant images, charts and graphics. Over or undersized elements as well as inconsistent color schemes prove to be distracting. The key is balance. Multimedia elements should add to your presentation not distract, they should be used strategically to foster engagement.

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I believe digital tools help teams work better together on media projects by letting them create together, share feedback, and watch progress live. Tools like Google Workspace, Canva Teams, and Trello give teams one place to work at different times and manage tasks.

These collaborative platforms are especially valuable when team members work from different locations or on different schedules. They create a virtual workspace where everyone can see updates, comment on drafts, and access the latest versions of files without confusion. This reduces the need for constant meetings and email chains that can slow down projects. In my new position as Ecommerce manager working permanently from home has made me way more aware of these tools. I get to now collaborate on tasks with other members utilizing cloud planner. I can collaborate and complete tasks all within one tool with visibility of everything going on.

I have seen digital tools make it easier to assign specific roles based on the team. For example, one person focuses on visual design while another handles content writing, but both can see how their work fits together in the larger project. Project management features help teams set deadlines, track milestones, and identify potential bottlenecks before they cause delays.

These tools have helped me reduce confusion, improve workflows, and ultimately help us create better media projects with less stress and fewer misunderstandings.

Reference

Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Pearson

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I think AI tools help make multimedia presentations better and faster. They make the process smoother, improve content, and allowing personalization. I have seen features like AI design suggestions, automatic captions, computer-generated voices, and script writing save time and make creating presentations easier. I've used Wix Image Creator to make custom visuals that match my presentation themes (specifically for my blogs) which help show abstract ideas clearly. I also use ScribeNote, which turns conversations into organized notes. This really helps when making presentation scripts, summarizing key points, or creating outlines. Using tools that create both visuals and text makes it easier to design interesting and effective presentations and totally enhance multimedia presentations.

Reference Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Pearson.

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I believe multimedia presentations help students build digital skills by teaching them to use digital tools, create good content, and share ideas clearly. For example, tools like PresentationPal help students improve their literacy skills by providing real time feedback on speaking pace, filler words, and presentation structure. Also, in our video 'How to Create a Multimedia Presentation in 2024', it shows how students learn to organize and design presentations, choose the right images, add sound, and deliver messages that connect with viewers. I think these activities develop critical thinking, creativity, and responsible digital communication. These are all important parts of digital literacy in today's tech world.

Creative Minds. (2024, February 12). How to create a multimedia presentation in 2024 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKXZ2-DHRAM

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I believe digital tools like VR and interactive simulations really help make learning more hands-on and exciting. Instead of just reading about something in a textbook, students can actually experience it. Like, in science class, you could use VR to walk through the human body, or in history, you might take a virtual tour of ancient ruins. It makes the lesson feel more real and helps things click better.

I think what’s also cool is that these tools get students more involved. Rather than just sitting and listening, they’re actually doing and exploring, which makes it way easier to stay focused and interested. It’s a great way to turn learning into more of an experience instead of just memorizing facts.

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A common mistake I’ve made before is overloading slides with too much text. It’s tempting to put everything you want to say on the screen, but that can overwhelm the audience and make the presentation feel more like a reading assignment. It’s usually better to keep the text minimal - just highlight the key points, and then explain the rest in your own words.

At my previous job, I handled the new hire orientation, and there were a few times when our videos didn’t work as planned. That was definitely not the impression we wanted to give. Technical issues like this can throw off the whole presentation, so testing videos, links, and audio beforehand is crucial. A quick run-through before the actual presentation can help catch those problems and avoid awkward moments.

So basically, less is more. The main goal should always be making your message clear, engaging, and easy to follow.

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Audio and visual elements are important in enhancing storytelling in media projects, especially in educational settings. They help create a more engaging and immersive experience by appealing to both the emotional and cognitive sides of the audience. As Mayer (2009) explains, multimedia learning occurs when you construct a mental representation of the information based on the combination of words and pictures in the multimedia instructional message. This approach allows students to better understand and retain information by actively processing both what they see and hear.

In the classroom, this could mean using visuals like photos, diagrams, or video clips to bring a lesson to life, while audio elements, such as music, sound effects, or narration, set the tone and help emphasize key ideas. For example, a student creating a digital story about a historical event might use period music and voiceover to add emotion and clarity, turning a simple slideshow into a powerful narrative.

Each effect provides an independent source of evidence for the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and its core assumptions concerning dual channels, limited capacity, and active cognitive processing (Mayer, 2009). In other words, we process visuals and audio through separate channels, and when those elements are used effectively, they support deeper understanding without overwhelming the learner.

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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I do believe multimedia presentations are a powerful way to help students build digital literacy skills. When students create presentations, they learn how to work with various digital tools, evaluate sources, and communicate information in a clear and engaging way. These tasks help them become more confident and competent users of technology - an essential skill in today’s digital world. Along with videos, images, schemes, and tables, which are often included to visually support students’ oral presentations, creative and interactive elements such as role-playing are also used to capture the audience’s attention (Yu & Zadorozhnyy, 2021). These experiences help students develop not just technical skills, but also creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Digital storytelling is one of the innovative pedagogical approaches that can engage students in deep and meaningful learning. It combines narrative with multimedia tools, encouraging students to reflect, organize ideas, and express themselves in ways that are both academic and personal (Smeda, Dakich, & Sharda, 2014). This kind of storytelling not only improves their understanding of content but also strengthens their ability to navigate and create in digital environments.

Yu, B., & Zadorozhnyy, A. (2021). Developing students’ linguistic and digital literacy skills through the use of multimedia presentations. ReCALL, 34(1), 95–109.

Smeda, N., Dakich, E., & Sharda, N. (2014). The effectiveness of digital storytelling in the classrooms: a comprehensive study. Smart Learning Environments, 1(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-014-0006-3

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Digital tools are essential in supporting teamwork and communication in collaborative media projects, especially in classroom environments. Platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Canva allow students to collaborate in real time - editing the same document, presentation, or video project, even if they’re not in the same location. This kind of live collaboration helps students stay organized, hold each other accountable, and contribute equally. Instead of waiting until the next class or meeting, students can give feedback, ask questions, and share ideas instantly. Tools like Zoom or breakout rooms in Teams add another layer of connection, making it easier to coordinate tasks and brainstorm together. According to Santos (2024), these tools not only enhance communication but also provide educators with valuable insights into student performance, allowing for targeted interventions and personalized feedback. Digital whiteboards like Jamboard or Miro are also great for planning and ideation. These tools make group brainstorming more visual and engaging, allowing everyone to see how the project is shaping up in real time. By leveraging these digital tools and methods, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that foster teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills - preparing students for future academic and professional success (Camposeo, 2024).

Camposeo, P. (2024, October 11). Collaborative Learning: Using Technology to Foster Teamwork and Communication.

Santos, A. (2024, September 2). Enhancing Collaboration in E-Learning through Digital Tools: Key Strategies and Tools.