The term Rich Media refers to a broad range of digital interactive media that can either be downloadable or embedded in a webpage. When downloaded, it can be used or viewed offline using media players such as Microsoft Media Player, Real Networks' RealPlayer, or Apple's QuickTime.

For distance learning through the Web as in e-learning, rich media must be an integral part of the courseware. It should comprise animation, interactivities to various levels of sophistication, visuals and narration. These components make your training programs more effective and your company sees a significant Return on Investment (ROI).

Other components of Rich Media:

File sizes: File sizes must always be small. To minimize delays in file transfer, use file formats that make the best use of Rich Media and are of good quality. These include Microsoft Media Player, GIF, JPG, Real Networks' RealPlayer, or Apple's QuickTime, Macromedia Flash (SWF), MP3, Shockwave Audio (SWA), Animated GIF, Macromedia Authorware (AAM) and VOX.

If there are delays in self-paced interactive course programs, students can be very frustrated as it interferes with understanding and retention. So, file sizes must be small and very streamable to slow modems. By streamable is meant that as bits of the digital video are downloaded, the movie starts to play, until the entire download is complete.

Image formats: If you use lesser than 256 colors, sharp colors and small file sizes, the GIF format is ideal. These include screen grabs, clipart, drawings and illustrations.

JPGs are better for photographs and illustrations with over 256 colors. If you use JPGs for screen captures, it will cause blurring of colors and the file size will be larger because the colors are averaged.

Animation: Macromedia Flash is best for animation on the Web. Not only can you increase the Flash movie to 1024 x 768 from 640 x 480, but you don't lose any picture quality nor do you increase the file size. Alternatively, you can use animated GIF format.

Movies and digital video: The most popular streamable formats for digital video are Windows Media Player, Apple QuickTime and RealVideo.
Sound files: Of the many formats for sound compression available, MP3 is the most popular and has excellent quality. If you use Real Audio and Windows Media Player 5.0, you can safely use MP3.

One of the best ways of using sound on the Web is to use Macromedia Flash 4.0 and higher which convert WAV files to the Shockwave format it has internally. If you use Macromedia Authorware with its 800kbps plug-in, you can either use SWA (Shockwave Audio) or VOX (Voxware).

Authoring software: You could give your learners a "no plug-in" option by using Macromedia Dreamweaver with Course Builder. It creates good interactive learning, is compliant with AICC norms and can import all kinds of media, among other benefits.