Multimedia and Hypermedia

The use of multimedia and hypermedia in the classroom is a great way to make lessons more engaging.  I teach 2nd grade and my students are fascinated with anything involving technology, but especially multimedia and hypermedia.  One thing that they particularly love to do is make is make Photostories of books that we read.  We'll read a book, such as The Enormous Turnip, and students will rewrite the book sequencing events.  They'll illustrate their pages and record themselves reading it.  I post the books on our class website or show in class and students can listen to and read their books over and over again!  Not only do they love doing this, but it builds fluency and comprehension skills as well.  I also like to import pictures and videos into my skills agenda each week so parents can see the activities we're doing in class.  Another way I'm able to use hypermedia is for my class "scrapbook."  Last year I had each student make a scrapbook to give to their parents at the end of the year.  I bought blank books and materials and took pictures throughout the year.  I printed the pictures and had students make a page for all of our special events.  This year I have access to more technology and am going to make a DVD scrapbook instead.  Using MovieMaker I'll import pictures, video, and music.  I'll have each student give one to their parents, just like they did with their book scrapbooks last year.  I think there will be pros and cons to the DVD vs. the scrapbook. The DVD will be cheaper, present nicer, and take less class time to make, but it will also take more teacher time and not be as sentimental since it's not made entirely by the child.  I'm interested in seeing the difference in reactions from parents.