Thesis (M.F.A.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 2009. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 40).

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This thesis attempts to gauge the strengths and limitations of the Java programming language in terms of its use in the production of multimedia compositions: in particular, the ways in which Java supports the creation of interactive, non-deterministic musical works. An original solution to the problem of multimedia design is presented: a hierarchically defined, basic, yet flexible scripting language that is interpreted using Java. This scripting language allows the user to incorporate his/her own media into a coherent and interactive form using a small set of simple keywords and basic operators. It also allows new functionality to be added by advanced users with a basic knowledge of Java. By investigating how such a scripting language may be implemented, the extent to which Java may be applied towards multimedia applications in general is revealed.

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This project created a multi-media work that combined music and visual images in a video format to culminate my graduate studies. I explored computer graphics and video technology while drawing from a multi-faceted background in art. This project attempts to communicate through visual expression the innate qualities of music and sound, while reflecting my interests as an artist. I intend this work to be viewed as either a live performance piece to be accompanied by the piano duet, Sonata for Two Pianos, or as a recording on a computer monitor or television. / Department of Art

This thesis identifies and explores the types of communication modes that exist in video games. Different types of communication are identified and discussed based on Frye's audience centered theory of modes. The inferior communication mode, the mimetic communication mode, the leader-centered communication mode, the romantic communication mode, and the mythical communication mode are all explained. A convenience sample of six video game players were interviewed about video games. An analysis of their self-identification statements revealed that players seek a high level of romantic communication when playing video games. The romantic communication mode makes the video game world an idealized place where the players are able to manipulate their circumstances or show more intelligence than the user in reality. Uses of the communication modes are also explained. / Department of Telecommunications

A Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) approach was developed to enhance course material for an undergraduate Hydrology and Water Management course, through the use of multimedia courseware. The courseware can be installed under 32bit versions of Windows' operating systems. CD-ROM's were used as the courseware distribution media. A LAN version, which uses NetBEUI protocol to access Windows' workgroups, has also been activated. / Course material was first digitized and then placed in a Windows' Graphic User Interface (GUI) using Microsoft Visual Basic versions 4--5. Multimedia files, including images, sound, and movies were then added to enhance visualization. Students can navigate through the courseware in a non-linear fashion akin to multimedia hyperlink technology. The courseware contains all of the conventional course material in text format with multimedia additions so that students can follow class material on computers. Simulation and prediction tools were also added in order to aid students in problem visualization and solving. / The course instructor can update material by uploading material through an ActiveX web site. The courseware is then automatically updated when an active TCP/IP connection is detected on the client side using a similar ActiveX control. / Program performance is optimized through the use of a high-speed CD-ROM drive and at least 32 megabytes of RAM. The network version performs substantially slower than its CD-ROM equivalent since a Network bandwidth bottleneck occurs.

Theories of learning from multimedia suggest that when media include two modal forms (e.g., visual and auditory), learning is improved by activating modally segregated working memory subsystems, thereby expanding the total cognitive resource available for learning (Mayer, 2001; Sweller, 1999). However, a recent meta-analysis suggests that the typical modality effect (use of narrations and diagrams [i.e., multimodal] leads to better learning than use of text and diagrams [i.e., unimodal]) might be limited to situations in which presentations are matched to the time it takes for the narration to play (Ginns, 2005). This caveat can be accounted for by the differences in ways that people process unimodal and multimodal information, but not by the expansion of working memory explanation for modality effects (Tabbers, 2002). In this paper, I propose a framework for conceptualizing how people interact with multimedia instructional materials. According to this approach, learning from multimedia requires (1) creating mental codes to represent to-be-learned information and (2) forming a network of associations among these mental codes to characterize how this information is related. The present research confirms, in two between-subjects experiments, predictions from this model when presentation pace and verbal presentation modality are manipulated to accompany static (Experiment 1) and animated (Experiment 2) diagrams. That is, the data suggest that learning from unimodal presentations improved as presentation pace was slowed, whereas learning from multimodal presentations did not change as presentation pace was slowed. A third experiment also confirmed predicted patterns of eye movement behavior, demonstrating patterns of increasing dwell time on pictures and switches between media as pace was slowed for unimodal presentations but not multimodal presentations. It is concluded that the parallel patterns of learning outcomes and eye-movement behavior support the proposed model and are not predicted by other models of learning from multimedia instructions. This improvement in predictions of the effects of manipulating design elements (e.g., presentation pace and verbal presentation modality) on learning can help designers as they consider what combination of resources (e.g., classroom time or equipment for multimodal presentation) to devote to instructional design.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 2007. / Typescript. Accompanying CD-ROM contains the Online Cake Instructor module. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-45).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 2006. / Title from title page screen, viewed on February 4, 2008. Dissertation Committee: Dent M. Rhodes (chair), Ellen A. Spycher, Chandra Sommers, Kenneth F. Jerich. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-117) and abstract. Also available in print.