An Inquiry into the Use of Multimedia in "Comprehensive Studies" : Focusing Making a CD-ROM

Abstract

This research explores the connection between visual media and art education in today's computer age, and discusses the significance of visual media as content in comprehensive studies. In the first part of this paper the author analyzes the relationship between media and the senses, and focuses on the hypertext version of "The Complete Miyazawa Kenji," a CD-ROM that the author was involved in producing, to examine the potential of multimedia as a means of expression. The author defines multimedia as a comprehensive, integrated platform for expression that uses various forms of media to engage the five senses. In the latter part of this paper the author looks at how education can be pursued using visual media, which is a current issue in art education, addressing the role that visual media can play in comprehensive studies, and exploring the educational significance of fostering expression through the use of multimedia.