Applied Multimedia
Course Descriptions
AM 250 Digital Photography
Provides an overview of and introduction to the world of digital photography and digital imaging. Serves as an entryway to further study in the world of digital imaging and multimedia production. Students gain an understanding of what features are desirable and how to use the creative controls of a digital camera.
AM 233 Intro to Multimedia
This class provides an overview of how interactive multimedia is developed and distributed and it explores the latest developments in multimedia. We examine the hardware and software involved and we will explore issues and design considerations. The multimedia industry and careers involving multimedia will also be examined. Students will get extensive hands-on experience in using Macintosh computers, digital video, digital cameras, scanners, the World Wide Web and authoring software. The emphasis will be on using these tools for learning and communication. The class will discuss the impacts that these new technologies will have on the classroom, the workplace and the home. Topics Covered: 1) Defining multimedia, digital media and hyperlearning. 2) Educational, government, nonprofit, and corporate applications of multimedia. 3) Input and Output using scanners, optical media, Printers, online and video output. Compression, file formats and memory. 4) Procreate Painter- Using a pressure-sensitive graphics tablet with natural media software. 5) Adobe Photoshop Elements- Image editing. 6) Microsoft PowerPoint- Combining video, audio, animation, and graphics into an interactive project. 7) Apple iMovie- Editing video and producing DVDs. 8) Apple Garage Band- Editing and modifying audio, podcasting. 9) Dreamweaver – Creating Web sites 10) Multimedia on the Internet. 11) Copyright and Digital ethics. 12) Careers in multimedia, local opportunities
AM 250 Digital Photography
This course provides an introduction and overview to the world of digital photography and digital imaging. It serves as a good entry way to further study in the world of digital imaging and multimedia production. Using a non-threatening approach, students will gain an understanding of what features are desirable in a digital camera and how to use the creative controls of a digital camera. The first unit covers how to choose and use a digital camera as well as an overview to some of the more technical aspects of resolution, file formats and work flow. The second unit concentrates on improving and manipulating photos on the computer. Students will complete a tutorial on Adobe Photoshop Elements. Students will receive a CD-ROM with a 30 day trial version of Elements, so they can install the program on their home computer. The final unit will include information on printing photos and going beyond prints into the world of online photo galleries, panoramic photography, slide shows, movies and DVDs. A combination of lectures and hands-on training in the computer lab will develop competency in quickly accomplishing tasks required in capturing to create images, upload them to the computer and editing them with Photoshop Elements.
AM 334 Design for Multimedia
The study of User Interface (UI) design. Conceptualizing, planning and designing comprehensive multimedia projects for Multimedia and the Web. Layout fundamentals, text, color, graphics and image optimization. The ability to analyze the numerous layers of design that factor into a multimedia or Web project: surface, structure, system, technical, and human end-user considerations. The technical application of using graphic design software to design graphics and text for Multimedia and Web production. Current software used: Photoshop, eZediaMX, and other Multimedia software. Prerequisite: AM 233.
AM 335 Digital Video
This class teaches the fundamentals of producing video for use in a variety of multimedia projects, with a primary focus on non-linear video editing tools. During the course, students learn the standard stages of video production while developing their own final project, a short informational video piece. Students learn how to load video clips from a camcorder onto a computer and how to organize those clips in a sequence that communicates ideas in a compelling fashion. Beginning techniques in special effects such as transitions, layering, object animation and text tools are covered. Students are also introduced to various techniques for distributing finished video projects via video tape, DVD, CD-ROM and the Web. Current software used: Final Cut Express, Quicktime, Photoshop. Prerequisite: AM 233.
AM 336 Multimedia Authoring
Students learn to use an advanced multimedia authoring package to create interactive multimedia projects that incorporate text, graphics, sound, video and keyframe-based animation, and are completely customizable. The course explores the application Macromedia Director, a popular authoring package used by multimedia professionals. Students receive hands-on experience developing elements to be used within a multimedia application that can be used as either a stand-alone executable or web-ready Shockwave file. Fundamental programming issues are covered and students learn scripting techniques using the programming language Lingo, which allows the designer to control animation and interactivity. The course also covers multimedia project management, flow-charting, and interface design. Current software used: Director, Photoshop, Quicktime, some Flash. Prerequisite: AM 233.
AM 337 Web Authoring
Students work on website projects. During the course, students learn the standard stages of website design, website production, including project management, flow-charting, and interface design, while developing their own final project - a fully operational website. This course explores the fundamentals of web authoring for Internet and intranet use. Students learn to create Web sites using current scripting languages and website authoring software. Students begin by learning how web pages are structured and styled with scripting, then learn to use advanced applications to create sophisticated presentation effects including typographical and layout control, rollovers techniques. Current software used: Dreamweaver, Photoshop, text editors and other multimedia software. Prerequisite: AM 233.
AM 338 Web Interface Design, Graphics, and Animation
Practical assignments with a 2D vector draw/animation program – Flash: Character Development, Walk Cycles, Narrative Animation, Animated Banner and Designing Functional Navigation for an Animated Website. Exploration of vector graphics, and multimedia delivery over the web. Design and User Interface (UI) issues with web animation. Designing websites that communicate to a specific audience. Current software used: Flash, Photoshop, and other Multimedia software. Prerequisite: AM 233.
AM 339 Audio for Multimedia
Students learn to use audio to create finished audio projects and materials for more sophisticated multimedia projects. The course covers a wide variety of audio principles and techniques beginning with how sound works in the air, through how to use various electrical audio equipment such as microphones, mixers and speakers, and finally covers the digital use of audio. Students will receive hands-on experience recording sound, using recordings in multitrack audio software, creating sound with synthesizers, and how to create finished files for a variety of purposes. Students complete a final project - an audio soundscape - using the tools learned during the term. Current software used: GarageBand, Logic Express, iTunes. Prerequisite: AM 233.
