Systematic multimedia courseware development using a software engineering style process model

Abstract

Multimedia and internet technologies have opened up new opportunities to be exploited in distance learning environment. These technologies have the ability to combine, integrate and deliver various media such as text, graphic, audio, video and animation which can help make teaching and learning more effective and rewarding, However, a high-quality and cost-effective multimedia courseware development is a major challenge that needs to be addressed if we want to make multimedia and internet-based distance learning a real success. This study presents a multimedia courseware engineering process model. The proposed model is an adaptation of the spiral model, a well-known model from software engineering field. Various phases and activities of the model are discussed in detail. We also present a methodology for courseware quality assurance and its relationship with the development process model. Our experience with developing a number of courseware using the proposed model is also presented. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.