InfoTech Review

MediaWorks, ver.6.2

MediaWorks, ver. 6.2 Interactive Solutions, Inc., www.mediaworkssoftware.com, 925/485-0702. Available in NC from Software Express, 800.527.7638. 2004. Pricing starts at $24. Hybrid. www.swexpress.com [8-12, CS] The proliferation of digital media formats like QuickTime, Virtual Reality, and various forms of animation has created many opportunities for students to more completely realize their creative visions. MediaWorks allows students to incorporate these various elements to create products ranging from interactive slideshows to sophisticated movies. The various functions of the authoring tool and the integrated video, sound, photo, and animation editors can be accessed through traditional pull-down menus across the top of the work area. Most main functions can, however, be more easily utilized with the floating Main Tools bar. With it, users can select items or change the colors of presentation components. This toolbar also provides access to the Sequencer, with which students can control the exact order in which media elements play. This device allows users to Auto-Sequence media components to play consecutively or to click and drag individual media files to adjust their duration or move them. Users can import and edit video and audio from analog or digital sources by clicking on their respective buttons on the toolbar and then dragging and dropping media files into the work area. This bar also provides access to the animation tool, which lets users simulate motion by combining multiple images, altering scale, and creating motion paths. The Transparency tool allows these animations to be inserted over other images or video. The toolbar also provides access to a painting tool/photo editor, allows users to insert text, and lets users create buttons for interactive presentations. Projects can also be exported as AVI (Windows Media Player) or Quicktime files, which can be burned to a DVD or inserted into Web pages. Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses. Strengths: The great strength of this resource is its ability to seamlessly integrate various media components with the powerful Sequencer. Its intuitive design provides even first time users exact control over their products. Additionally, several helpful Tutorials allow users to master the most important program functions in just a few hours. Uses: This well-conceived and executed resource is ideal for students ready to move beyond the limitations of the traditional slideshow and can be used in any curriculum area.

Keywords: authoring tools, movie making, multimedia, presentations

Subject Areas: Computer Skills