The Java Tutorials' Weblog
Thursday Jul 03, 2008
Multimedia Tutorials
Do you believe that a visual demonstration blows minds better than words?Don't you think it is time that we add a touch of multimedia to our Java guides, tutorials and any other Java documentation?
Below is a small demonstration of the procedure to validate the JRE in your system. This demo represents the validation procedure found in the Java Upgrade Guide.
Of course we are not going to replace all of the content with multimedia examples, but only to supplement the existing content. We might include small bits and pieces of such presentations, including screencasts, in the tutorials and/or guides to demonstrate tasks or illustrate concepts. We need your feedback/comments/suggestions before we implement the same.
What do you think? As a novice or a budding Java programmer do you think these presentations would enhance your understanding of the subject in a better way?
- Jacob Royal
Posted at 11:56AM Jul 03, 2008 by The Java Tutorial Team | Comments[4]
For this particular example, I think that a series of screen shots might suffice. I have always wondered why that option is burried away.
Looks like Windows needs a few updates ;)
Posted by Abraham Tehrani on July 03, 2008 at 02:01 PM PDT #
Video demos have pros and cons:
+ you can SEE what is meant to be done and how everything should work
- I often read and try tutorials on my daily way to/from work in public transportation.
Video demos are often using sound (which I don't want to enable in public transportation) and/or (much worse in my point of view:) they're are often not downloadable comfortable.
Posted by Locked on July 03, 2008 at 10:36 PM PDT #
Hi Abraham,
Thanks for your comments. This particular multimedia example is just to give you an idea of what type of multimedia elements could be included. Perhaps, a screencast would be a better option to demonstrate the complete procedure of Java Upgrade. We are looking into all the options. We value your inputs and feedback.
Thanks again,
- Jacob Royal, Java Tutorial Team.
Posted by Jacob Royal on July 03, 2008 at 11:26 PM PDT #
I think it is good idea. Especially when applied to some very complex subjects. For example it would be great to see a multimedia presentation on Swing/AWT/Java2D painting, threading in GUI, working with text components. Multimedia content is often easier to remember and comprehend and it certainly easier to hear/view presentation many times then read long article (at least for me), but remember that using nice female voice not always help ;)!
Posted by Wojciech Halicki-Piszko on July 03, 2008 at 11:50 PM PDT #