Common Tools to Add Multimedia in the Online Classroom

By Dani Babb PhD

Instructional design is a process (((link to my instructional design basics article)) to increasing engagement and learner retention and understanding in courses. We are often asked how we do that… Quite literally, what tools are available to add multimedia to online classes. Some of the most popular ones I have seen over the years include:

Video conferencing: Platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams LMS platforms such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Brightspace provide tools for instructors to upload and share multimedia content with their students, such as video lectures, audio recordings, and interactive presentations. Instructors can also leave video feedback, or audio feedback on graded work.
Screen recording software: Tools such as Loom and Screencast-O-Matic allow instructors to record their computer screens while delivering a seminar or demonstrating a process, which can then be shared with students.
Interactive whiteboards: Platforms such as Explain Everything and Miro allow instructors to create interactive whiteboards and share them with students in real-time or asynchronously..
Multimedia editing software: Tools such as Adobe Premiere, Camtasia, Articulate and movie editing tools enable instructional designers instructors to create professional-quality multimedia content, including videos, audio recordings, and presentations.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality software: Programs like Google Expeditions and Nearpod VR can be used to create immersive learning experiences for students. This is a new and emerging technology in many universities!

Dani Babb PhD

CEO and Founder of Babb Education! Dani Babb’s initial goal in 2005 was to help professors get teaching jobs in the new world of online higher education. From there, she expanded the mandate to guide and provide resources to colleges and universities looking for help with new programs, student retention and expertly designed curriculum. In 2005, she created The Babb Group, and now runs and owns Babb Education.

Dr. Babb has been working in the online education field as both an educator and administrator since its inception. She, along with her team at Babb Education, do everything possible to create an incredible experience with our team of expert instructional designers, curriculum developers, unbundled services so colleges and universities only pay for exactly what they need, subject matter expert (SME) and faculty recruitment, and professional development webinars and seminars that are engaging and interesting for faculty! She blends her strong reach in the faculty world, knowledge of issues college administrators face and student needs to create forward thinking, budget-conscious and high quality services. She is steeply entrenched in higher education and has focused her career there since the early 2000's.

Prior to starting Babb Education, Dani was a market commentator for many news networks, including Fox News, CNBC, NBC, MSNBC and CNN. Prior to that position, she owned and ran a small technology company, where her love for the integration of tech and education began. She started her career as a computer repair technician and rose through the ranks to become a VP of IT in Fortune 500 companies. Her passion is in education, helping students master course objectives, persist in their programs and for colleges to offer the most possible to help students in their profession!