eLearning Multimedia

• UM students colearn with selected worldwide participants.
• Asynchronos learner discussions.
• Minimal mentor interference direction.
• Concurrent usability feedback, esp. re: assignment and resources.

The TOW (transmedia online workshop) is a web-based environment for learning the art and craft of multimedia storytelling (which I developed with Knight Prototype Fund and Transom.org support). Our test TOWs had learners from six continents in 20 timezones (20% were ESL), with a wide range of ages and professions. Most were beginners but national radio series in the U.S. and Australia broadcast several of their pieces nationally. Many workshoppers used their productions as a portfolio to land jobs and internships.

The Media Lab could pair UM students with international learners in its own TOW. Missoulians would collaborate with the world in a diverse, co-learning educational experience. The Media Lab would expand our understanding of what multimedia and online education can be.

Background:
• MediaShift “Launch and Learn: Lessons in Multimedia Training”
• MediaShift “The Shape of Learning: How Media Consumers Become Media Producers”

Example: learning resource

Example of TOW-produced learning material, based on learner feedback. They wanted more info on B-Rolls. We found no good, short existing resource, so we commissioned one. Within a week it was in a online film magazine and had 5000 views:

Example: learner audio