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Web Page Design Module 11: Adding Media and Interactivity Media and Interactivity Media objects make a website more compelling for users. For the purpose of this course, we will define media objects as combinations of video, audio, and text that create an interactive experience with a website (Bishop, 2013). Each media object that you add should provide a special purpose that could not be achieved without it. There is a fine line between cluttering your page and not adding enough interest. Media objects can slow down the time it takes to load a page. There are many different types of media objects including videos, Flash movies, built-in Java-script behaviors such as sound, rollover images, drop-down menus, Go to URL, and menus. The menu in the upper right hand corner of this page is an example of a drop-down menu. Some of the external media file types include files created in Adobe Fireworks; video, sound, and animation files; movies created with Director or Shockwave; Java applets; Active X controls; and a variety of plug-ins (a small computer program that works with a browser to enable it to perform certain functions. A Flash SWF file is an example of a file requiring a plug-in. To play the file you need to install the Flash Player plug-in which extends the capabilities of the browser to display the Flash content. This plug-in should already be installed on your computer. In using the Insert panel to add Flash content you embed the code that links and runs the Flash content. The actual Flash file is stored in a separate location.
Another way to add interactivity to your website is to attach a behavior or a set of instructions that tell the web page how to respond in a specific way if the event occurs. Click your mouse or touch the screen over the Paul VI school logo in the upper left hand corner of this page. The message that appears is an example of an action.
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To learn more about adding media and interactivity to your website continue with the Backgrounding Building Activities for Module 11.
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