The decision to use multimedia elements in e-learning should be made after considering the dual factors of bandwidth and plug-ins. The figure below shows a decision tool that weighs the various factors.

The lower left quadrant indicates that with low bandwidth and no plug-ins, design is limited to text and small graphics.

In the upper left quadrant, with average capabilities of high bandwidth and no plug-ins, students can access text, large graphics, and animations very quickly. In the lower right quadrant, low bandwidth with plug-ins provides adequate performance for text, graphics, and animations, as well as limited streaming audio. Even with streaming audio, each sound clip is likely to take five to ten seconds before it begins to play. This makes the use of audio as primary narration awkward, but acceptable in unique cases -- such as for simulations.

Finally, the upper right quadrant is the high performance zone with high bandwidth and plug-ins. With these capabilities, a Web-based program can perform the same as CD-ROM.