Videotape is an example of a linear program. However, if the video is segmented and designed in a way to enable the student to take various paths or to watch a single segment repeatedly, more control is then given to the student and not the designer. The designer can create a series of gates to pass through before going on to the next objective. But, in a branching non-linear environment the student can decide the path. The key is the learning objective to be accomplished is coherent if the relationship among the elements is complete, and not a random presentation of information.
Multimedia can take the form of tutorials, drill and practices, games, or simulations.
Tutorials are often used to teach new information. The role of the tutorial is to reflect good instructional technique and to offer encouragement to continue. Multimedia can be used to increase the quality and variability of the feedback. Simulations differ from games in the level of competitiveness, type of rules, and are usually not related to real events. Simulations use rules to define the interaction within a predetermined model with outcomes based on choices the learner makes using the knowledge gained in instruction.