The Written Word

Multimedia's potential as an educational and research tool is substantial; however, professionals, both in academe and business, need to re-evaluate traditional concepts of formal or official communication and begin to overcome the power that print technology has had on society.

Our society considers the written word the most valuable and reliable source for communicating information. Heba notes the expression "put it in writing" exemplifies the significance that people place on the written word. When one says "put it in writing" the implication is that if you do not your communication is not valid (129).

"If something is not written down and recorded, it simply is not true or, perhaps, even legal. Unless one puts it in writing, there is probably no real commitment" (Heba 129).