Converting File Formats with Zamzar

Have you ever wanted to convert files without the need to download software? This is the question posed by the makers of Zamzar, a free online file format conversion tool that, in most cases, eliminates the need for expensive software solutions. The tool allows for converting your files to a large variety of formats without intrusive watermarks, including video file types that are usually associated with paid software such as:

• Windows Media Video (wmv)
• Flash Video (flv)
• MPEG-4 Part 14 (mp4)
• Quicktime (mov)

It will also convert:

• Images (e.g., gif, jpeg, tiff, eps)
• Documents (e.g., Microsoft Office files, pdf, csv)
• Music (e.g., mp3, wav, flac)
• eBooks (e.g., epub, mobi)
• Compressed formats (e.g., zip, rar)
• Video presets (e.g., Apple TV, DVD, iPod, iPad, iPhone, PS3, Xbox 360, YouTube)

Zamzar uses a simple, four-step process to convert your files:

1. Select the file from your computer.
2. Choose the conversion format.
3. Enter your email address. Zamzar will send you a link to download your file after conversion has finished.
4. Click the Convert button.

So, what's the catch? Well, files to be converted must be less than 100MB. This will rule out large video files. Also, it can take some time before the actual link to download your file is sent to your email inbox. While these two caveats may be a deal breaker for some, others will find Zamzar to be a lifesaver in some challenging media usage situations. Try it out at: http://www.zamzar.com.

Accessibility Basics (Part Two)

In the first article in our Accessibility Basics series, we defined four essential steps in planning for online course accessibility:

1. Choosing file formats
   
2. Chunking content
   
3. Providing options
   
4. Having backup plans

Commonly Used Formats

In this article, the focus is on step one, choosing file formats.  The file formats that faculty include in an online class vary widely based on a number of factors:

1. Faculty technical skills – only a minority of faculty create html pages.
2. Faculty field of expertise/subject area – some fields need special file types for special purposes.
3. Faculty workload – a busy person will do what they are most familiar with

File Format Pros and Cons

Html pages are the most flexible, and can be made the most accessible.  This is the format the ITRC uses when building a course, because it can include other media and provide for accessibility. However, if you are a faculty member working on your own, this may be intimidating. The HTML Creator tool inside WVU eCampus, however, can allow easy, simple creation. While some subject areas use or require files in a specialized format, these are generally best used as specific demonstration pieces or elements of a homework assignment.