OLT Music File Demonstrations

From time to time there is a desire to set the mood for a particular webpage or site through the use of music. Music files come in a wide variety of formats. Some are cross platform, while others force you and your clients to use a single platform computer solution.

OLT can work with music in any format. However, we prefer to employ cross platform solutions. It is difficult to say which technology will emerge as the single dominant music and audio solution in the future. The two prominent technologies to date are QuickTime and RealAudio. For voice based projects OLT currently prefers RealAudio. However, for more sophisticated music based solutions, QuickTime provides more dynamic range and greater flexibility.

OLT recently supported a series of seminars through Global Learn Day 2 on the subject of lifelong learning. Each presenter was asked to asked to select a piece of music that represented their core concept. Dr. Redding selected Pony Express by Alabama. It lyrics outline the displacement of mail transport workers. The Pony Express is replaced by the Train, and then the Train is replaced by the Plane. The music addresses the displacement of core service workers by the advent of new technology.

Educationally, this is now occurring. Access to knowledge via the internet is changing library services. Classrooms and conference sites are now available in cyber space. Rather then requiring the students and participants to gather in a particular place and time; location is becoming a matter of access. Where do you have access to the internet for education and training purposes?

Click on the music "play" icon to hear the music Dr. Redding selected.

QuickTime plug-in is required. Click on the QuickTime icon to go to the download page.

This type of music file is easily compressable to varing degrees and can be easily streamed from a web page. Normally, you would place the music file well below a screen of text so that it would be loading while the text on the screen is being read. To little text and the person browsing your page would pass on, before hearing the intended music.

Music should only be used when it adds to the message being conveyed.

The next example is just now coming into use. It loads very quickly and combines scrolling text with long playing music. The file size can be very small. Some where between 4k and 25k for a complete music and text file.

Click here to experience scrolling text and music.