Department of Mass Communications & Center for New Media
Colorado State University - Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81004

Prerequisite: MCCNM 132 (or demonstrated proficiency in Web design/authoring)

INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Ebersole, PhD
Office location, hours, email, and phone: see link
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Course Description

Introduction to the principles and applications of digital multimedia with special emphasis on digital imagery, animation, digital audio and video as well as interface design.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

- demonstrate proficiency with computer hardware and software applications used to create multimedia content through practical tutorials and learning exercises.

- apply concepts of accessibility and usability as they apply to the design of interactive multimedia projects.

- demonstrate the process of multimedia content development and project authoring.

To accomplish these goals extensive time will be spent in actual project development in a state-of-the-art laboratory setting with the Adobe CS3 suite of software tools.

Text

Ozer, Jan. (2007). How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques with Adobe Production Studio. Adobe Press.

In addition to the one textbook assigned each student will acquire and read a book related to some aspect of multimedia production. This text should be specific to one area of digital media (text, graphics, animation, audio, video) and will be a resource for you as you become the class "expert" in that area of multimedia development/content creation. Please consult with me BEFORE you select/acquire a text.

Other Materials

Students will be required to bring portable headphones, with 1/8-inch stereo mini-plug, with them to class in order to monitor the audio at their computers. Student files should be backed up and stored on your personal network space (Course Folders or K: drive) and on removable media (e.g., flash memory, external hard drive, CD-Rom and/or DVD-R). Blank media is the responsibility of the student and regular backups are encouraged. Files saved to the lab computers' hard disks are at risk of being deleted.

Online Collaboration

We will use Web-based course management and other "social media" tools for group communication, facilities/lab scheduling, and course updates. Please fill out this form to be added to the group.

Evaluation

Policy Statements

Attendance
Because the class will be taught using a combination of lecture presentations and tutorials, punctual attendance at class sessions is expected. Make-up of any quizzes, exams or tutorial assignments missed due to an excused absence must be arranged with the professor before the next scheduled class meeting to avoid a grade of 0 being registered. Use of cell phones and other 2-way communication devices is not allowed (please see me if you are medical or emergency staff on call). If you must leave before the normally scheduled end of class, please make arrangements with me ahead of time and sit near the door.

Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty in any form, including cheating on examinations, fictionalization, using another student's work as your own, plagiarism of written documents, whether covered by copyright protection or not, or falsely representing another s work as your own, is not tolerated in the professions of mass communications, nor in this department. Students found in violation of this policy will receive a grade of F for the course upon the instructor's findings and recommendations to the department chair. In extreme cases, such violations may also result in dropping such students from the department and their major or minor in mass communications.

Disability Statement
This University abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education "solely by reason of a handicap." If you have a documented disability that may impact your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see the instructor as as soon as possible to arrange accommodations. In order to receive accommodations, you must be registered with and provided documentation of your disability to: the Disability Resource office, which is located in the Psychology Building, Suite 232.

Computer Lab Etiquette
Use of the MCCNM computer lab in BCC is prioritized for MCCNM students currently enrolled in a MCCNM course. No food or open beverage containers (except water bottles) are allowed. Downloading software and unauthorized content is not allowed, nor is any kind of illegal activity. Note: students are responsible to review and follow all CSU-Pueblo ITS policies. During class, attention is to be given to the instructional activities presented by the instructor. In other words, do not surf the web, check email, or work on assignments unless so directed. Remember to back up and save your work to your Course Folders drive...local files can and will be deleted.

Topical Outline

• Introduction to Multimedia
• Text
• Graphics
• Animation
• Audio
• Video
• Authoring: Project Management
• Metaphors and Design Paradigms
• Authoring Software
• Digital Storytelling
• Delivery Options