Multimedia: How to Combine Language and Visuals

1. Challenges of Using Multimedia In the last decade, advanced computer technology has allowed for development of information systems and learning environments that combine language with other forms of human communication in innovative ways. Language in the form of written texts, for example, can be combined not only with static pictures or graphs as in printed material, but also with animation or video. Furthermore, language can not only be used as written text, but can also be presented in its ‘natural’ form of auditory, spoken text. The different ways of displaying information can also be combined with further auditory input such as sound or music. Furthermore, computerbased hypermedia also allows quick access to, and flexible combination of, various sources of information.