Non-Internet Multimedia Options

Videotapes
A logical multimedia component that could be added to any online a course would be to mail a videotape. A videotape might include a taped educational program captured via satellite, cable or ITFS television. Copyright restrictions are that a teacher can use a tape in a class for 11 days after taping it, or can personally view the video for 45 days after taping it.

A videotape might be teacher-created with low production values but serviceable in an educational context. Professional video can cost $1,000 per minute to produce.

Software
If a uniform computer platform is prerequisite for a particular class, software programs can be used to supplement a text-based online course. Though thousands of public domain (free) software programs exist, most are not of high quality and it is often difficult to match software to a particular learning purpose. The PCSIG CD ROM has thousands of public domain software programs on a single CD and costs under $40. Many Internet hosts offer tens of thousands of public domain software programs.

Shareware software is usually of higher quality than public domain software. Shareware software requires a fee be paid for authorized use of the software with the added benefit of free upgrades and a printed manual. Using shareware in an online class requires budgeting for the cost of the shareware for each student. Many Internet hosts offer many high quality shareware programs, with many more becoming available.

CD ROMS
CD ROMs have the advantage of 600 megabytes of storage at an average cost of under $40 with trends pointing toward dramatically increased storage capabilities. Vast archives of satellite images, text documents, searchable databases, software programs, sound clips, video clips, still pictures and/or interactive educational programs are all possible on CD ROMS.