Developing effective multimedia-based laboratory modules

Laboratories have become a common phenomenon in computer science curricula, and the advent of inexpensive multimedia computers has broadened the range of activities that can be incorporated in laboratory exercises. Together, laboratories and multimedia have the potential for great impact on educational practice. A variety of software exists for authoring interactive multimedia applications including programming languages and authoring tools. In addition to authoring tools, potential authors need to know how to use other tools like image editors, audio and video capture software and hardware, and audio and video editors. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing a multimedia-based laboratory activity and potential inexpensive tools that can be used to create it.