Using SMIL as the authoring technology for higher education and training: Two case studies and a critical reflection

Pure hypermedia has no temporal structure as they are linked page-based multimedia. On the contrary, synchronized multimedia makes time the central organizing principle so that timely content can be provided to the learners to support authentic and active learning experience. In this paper, two case studies in the areas of Micro-teaching and Home Economics for higher education and training are presented. The underlying authoring technology is the open standard called SMIL. Through these two different case studies, the essential elements for the effective use of synchronized multimedia are examined. Both technological and pedagogical issues associated with this authoring technology are being reflected upon.