What is streaming media?

It used to be that in order to make video and audio available over the web users were required to download large files completely to their hard drives before they could view them. This was time consuming and inefficient.

Streaming technology sends part of the video or audio to the user for almost immediate viewing/listening. While the first portion plays, the next is being buffered in memory to be played next. By utilizing this method, users have quicker, more convenient access.

One misconception is that streaming media can only be used with a high-speed Internet connection. The quality of the streaming media depends on many factors. Low-bandwidth solutions are possible. We'd be happy to discuss these options with you.

There are several streaming formats. At UNI we have chosen to use the RealMedia format. For a quick introduction to Real Media streaming, click here. (requires RealPlayer software from Real Networks).If you are interested in why we chose this format, please contact Rick Seeley, Instructional Technology Research and Development Coordinator (273-7218; rick.seeley@uni.edu). 

horizontal rule

How can streaming media be used?

Streaming media use can be simple or complex. It can be as basic as providing audio files or as complex as a custom interactive interface. It can be used to provide audio, video, or narrated slide shows.

Another advantage is that streaming files can be created so they cannot be downloaded to the user's hard drive. When created this way, streaming files are temporary and cannot be copied by the average user. This makes it easier to secure permission to use copyright-protected materials.

horizontal rule

Samples of streaming media use

NOTES: 

You will need the RealPlayer software to access these resources. Get the free RealPlayer from Real Networks.

Some of the examples below cannot be made available to the general public due to the arrangements with the copyright holders. If you'd like to see these resources, please contact Instructional Design and Development Specialist.

bulletAt UNI
bulletAudio
bulletKUNI streams its programming.

bulletFred Halgedahl, assistant professor, School of Music, uses his web site as a recruitment tool. This well designed site utilizes images and audio.

bulletRoy Sandstrom, associate professor, History, has his students listen to music by various composers. NA

bulletSiegrun Wildner, assistant professor, Modern Languages, secured permission to provide password protected access to McGraw Hill German tutorials. NA

bulletVideo
bulletRecayi Pecen, assistant professor, Industrial Technology, uses streaming media to demonstrates the use of devices used in his classes.

bulletAnelia Dimitrova, assistant professor, Communication Studies, produces a cable program entitled "Here & There: Local Perspectives on Global Events and Issues." View the show featuring Governor Tom Vilsak on the topic of immigration.

bulletNarrated PowerPoint
bulletOral Communication students can "attend" the mass lecture via the web. April Chatham-Carpenter, associate professor, Communication Studies, received a Provost's mini-grant for this project.

bullet The Personal Wellness Instructors make their lectures available via streaming technology. In this example, LeaAnn Shaddox presents information on eating disorders.

bulletCustom Interfaces
These productions take more time and planning than just creating or converting video to streaming media, but the end results have a professional look.
bulletElementary Math Methods
Glenn Nelson, associate professor, Mathematics, and Vicki Oleson, instructor, Price Laboratory School, designed these videos to provide their students with models for a teaching activity they must each complete. 

bullet INTIME
INTIME is a federal funded PT3 Catalyst grant to prepare future teachers to use technology. The UNI College of Education INTIME project utilizes a sophisticated interface to provide a variety of supporting resources in addition to the videos.

bulletAt other educational institutions

bulletOther uses
bulletNational Public Radio archives some of its programming, including stories form Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

bulletThe Kennedy Center streams many of the performances live. Archives are also available.

 

horizontal rule

How do I start using streaming media?

Schedule a consultation appointment for instructional design and development support. If you determine that streaming media is an option you wish to pursue, we can develop an implementation plan.

horizontal rule

Streaming Media Resources

bulletCopyright-free streaming media from AboveStream.com
bulletLibrary of Congress Collection Finder