| Focus
on |
Electronic
publishing and multimedia information of specialized publishing companies.
|
| Multimedia
book "cell biology" |
A multimedia text
book on cell biology is published by several cooperation partners with
the help of international scientific advise.
|
| Scientific
background |
The cell is the basic
unit of life. It is the smallest morphological unit of any organism. Its
composition, ultrastructure and basic function are nowadays basic high
school text book knowledge. With the classical medium of school text books,
the structural complexity and dynamic cellular processes can hardly be
presented to satisfaction.
|
| Growing
request for information |
In
schools and institutes of higher education as well as for the general
public, there is an increasing demand for information on the rapidly
developing field of cell biology. To achieve a better understanding of the
basic functions of life, IWF
Knowledge and Media (former Institute for Scientific Film), the "Biocenter"
and the "Didactical Center" of the University of Frankfurt at Main
and MMcD Multimedia Consulting
GmbH in Düsseldorf are progressively producing a multimedia interactive
text book on cell biology.
|
|
IWF media library |
The
IWF - Institute of Scientific Film is a rich source for scientific audiovisual
material. Much of it has been made accessible for further use in relation
to documentation, technical standards and legal requirements. Some 80 movies,
movie parts, and stills have been employed to provide modern and comprehensive
visualization of the field of cell biology. On the basis of this material,
a CD-ROM series is being produced.
|
Digital
adaption |
For
further supply of media and communication, a multimedia database has been
established from existing media and movie parts, from which further products
are being created. This is complemented by a comprehensive online service.
It opens access to other internet information resources and provides a communication
forum as well as network compatible interactive media.
|
| Interactivity |
A "virtual laboratory"
provides strong motivation for individual experimental activities. The
observation of living objects through the microscope is simulated in commentated
digital videos. In addition to appearing in a linear order, formulas and
biochemical process schemes can be called up as required in the form of
computer animations. By employing QuickTime VR techniques, movable 3D
objects and revolving 360° panoramas can be viewed on the present generation
of PCs. The acquired knowledge can be individually assessed through multiple
choice questions.
|
| More
flexibility through modularization |
Depending
on client requirements and current scientific trends, special emphasis can
be given to particular issues by further segmentation of the modular structure.
An international assembly of scientists intensifies the consideration of
specific national curricula, extends access to audiovisual and digital source
material provided by various institutions and helps to increase the acceptance
of the program in different countries. A number of distinguished publishing
houses are now partners for strategic marketing.
|
| Volume
of funding |
The
project was sponsored largely (52%) by the Federal Ministry of Education
and Research (BMBF) to an amount of DM 1 797 078.- from Oct1988 through
March 2001. |
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