Pre-training

Name: Prezi
URL: prezi.com

Description:
Prezi offers a marvelous approach to information visualization. Prezi can be used for essential or generative learning by providing pre training on key elements prior to the desired material being taught (Mayer, 2009). Users can create dynamic presentations on their topic of choice. Flexibility is an attractive feature of Prezi due to mobility options for cloud, smart phones, and tablet computers.

Benefits:
Prezi offers free licensing as well as paid subscriptions. Prezi is better than many of the other options available because of its simplicity coupled with robust capabilities and features. Users can edit items offline that were started in the cloud, complete it on the train, and show it to colleagues via their smart phone.

Name: SlideRocket
URL: www.sliderocket.com

Description:
SlideRocket engages learners with interactive content and presentation materials. It can be used for essential or generative learning by creating engaging learning environments (Mayer, 2009). SlideRocket assists individuals in developing outstanding presentations which engage participants as well as produce substantial results. Productivity is enhanced by the fact that Google and PowerPoint presentations can be imported into SlideRocket.

Benefits:
Unlike many other options available, SlideRocket offers analytic capabilities which present tools for individuals to measure the effectiveness of presentations. The analytics feature is useful because feedback is detailed regarding what viewers accomplished. This in turn can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the presentation.

Graphic organizer

Name: MindMeister
URL: www.mindmeister.com

Description:
MindMeister in a web based collaboration and mind mapping platform which runs within the browser on your computer or mobile device. MindMeister can be used for essential or generative learning by making sense of the essential material (Mayer, 2009). It enables learners to transfer ideas into images as well as follow and connect with concepts in efforts to enhance understanding. Moreover it assists in helping individuals improve critical thinking skills as well enhance memory

Benefits:
MindMeister is superior to many of the other options available because it creates better products and it is easy to use. Collaboration and sharing tools along with intuitive instructions make MindMeister an attractive option.

Name: SpiderScribe
URL: www.spiderscribe.net

Description:
SpiderScribe is a free web based option which assists learners in brainstorming ideas as well as visualizing concepts. It can be used for essential or generative learning because it can be utilized to reduce the amount of extraneous processing in learners (Mayer, 2009). Furthermore, it allows learners to visually sort through ideas and thoughts online which in turn enhances learning.

Benefits:
SpiderScribe is a better option than many of the others available due to its cloud capabilities and collaboration tools. Furthermore, SpiderScribe makes it possible to connect calendar events, files, Google maps, images as well as text notes and share those maps online.
Presentation

Name: Mixmoov
URL: www.mixmoov.com

Description:
Mixmoov is a feature rich online video editing application that helps users to create videos intended to deeply engage audiences. It can be used for essential or generative learning due to the fact that it can be used to provide key elements that will be taught in the future (Mayer, 2009). Mixmoov makes it quick and easy to make videos using the millions of photos and videos available online.

Benefits:
Mixmoov is an effortless and potent web based application which allows users to import virtually any type of media file via the web. Users have the ability to apply effects to media as well enhance text by way of elegant transitions.

Name: VideoToolbox
URL: www.videotoolbox.com

Description:
Videotoolbox can be used for essential or generative learning because lessons can be created to foster generative learning which in turn motivate learners to use this capacity (Mayer, 2009). Moreover, attractive features such as the Advanced File Manager make uploading videos and downloading files from other sites on the web effortless.

Benefits:
Users have the ability to convert files between all of the popular video formats in advanced or simple mode. Videotoolbox offers features which analyze video files and display detailed information regarding bit rate, codec, frame rate, and resolution.

Authentic assessment activity

Name: WeVideo
URL: www.wevideo.com

Description:
WeVideo can be used for essential or generative learning because the videos can assist in reducing issues attributed to the intrinsic intricacy of the subject matter (Mayer, 2009). WeVideo is a tool which makes video creation accessible to everyone. The cloud based technology makes it possible to collaborate online on a video project. Users can capture images and videos with their mobile device and upload them via WeVideo.

Benefits:
WeVideo is better than the other options available due to its simplicity. WeVideo offers three modes from novice to expert. Furthermore, the theme functionality reduces the complexity of editing videos by offering professional features such as sound, transitions, and visual effects.

Name: Magisto
URL: www.magisto.com

Description:
Magisto can be used for essential or generative learning because it can effectively be utilized to reduce issues related to communication styles which tend not to motivate (Mayer, 2009). Furthermore, it allows users to join forces with artificial intelligence to make certain that their movies achieve the desired outcomes. To make things easy, Magisto brings ideas to life using the direction, music, style, and video provided by the user into movies.

Benefits:
Magisto is a suitable product option which offers video analysis conducted using algorithms. Components of the movie are categorized as elements of audio analysis, storytelling, and visual analysis. Magisto is better than the other options available primarily because it is the easiest to use and produces superior products.

Mayer (2009) suggests that technology-centered approaches focus on the capabilities of advanced technologies with the goal of providing access to information. Moreover, Mayer (2009) postulates that the goals of learner-centered approaches are to aid human cognition while focusing on the nature of the human cognitive system. I conducted research on websites which promote active and/or cognitive learning. As a result, I have selected three websites which include multimedia artifacts for active learning which focus on web design training resources offered via the web. Furthermore, I am able to assess each website as being learner-centered or technology-centered.

Mayer (2009) suggests that multimedia can be used as a powerful tool in relation to enhancing instruction. The topic of my multimedia workshop will focus on creating websites to enhance instruction for educators. Website development can be an overwhelming task. Even professional web designers have a difficult time remaining abreast of new acronyms and techniques.

Multimedia Artifacts

www.quackit.com offers free resources and tutorials intended to assist beginners build websites. The active engagement required focuses on both behavioral and cognitive activity. There is a technology-centered approach by way of the technology resources which introduce ways in which individuals can implement emerging technologies in designing multimedia presentations (Mayer, 2009). Web development resources focus on topic such as HTML, Microsoft Access, and Website Hosting.

www.teamtreehouse.com contains over 1000 free videos created by experts on topics relating to web deign. The active engagement required focuses on both behavioral and cognitive activity. There is a technology-centered approach by way of providing access to information (Mayer, 2009) via gradual training exercises and video courses. Interactive challenges and quizzes are available to assist in practicing technologies such as Android and iOS.

www.w3schools.com offers a massive amount of free examples, references, and tutorials relating to website development. The active engagement required focuses on both behavioral and cognitive activity. W3Schools is simplified to accommodate individuals with a basic understanding of the technologies and terms. The learner-centered approach within W3Schools aids in human cognition (Mayer, 2009) via the utilization of examples and tutorials.


References

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.

Quackit. (2013). Quackit. [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.quackit.com/
Team Tree House. (2013). Team Tree House. [Website]. Retrieved from http://teamtreehouse.com/

W 3 Schools. (2013). W 3 Schools. [Website] Retrieved from http://www.w3schools.com/