Students approach website design, multimedia design and animation using the latest techniques: vector, raster, and step and motion tween animation technologies as well as visual and audio feedback to provide a rich, interactive user experience. Repurposing content from print and hard media delivery platforms is also covered. Successful interface integration and appropriateness of animation are stressed.
The MiraCosta faculty believe that students who complete one or more certificates or degrees are systematic, critical, creative thinkers and clear communicators who are intellectually curious, technically proficient, professional, and aesthetically literate. To that end, the faculty has identified seven Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) that apply directly to the high-level skills you are expected to possess in the workforce: Technical Skills, Application of Discipline Skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Professional Behavior, Aesthetic Literacy and Appreciation, and Global Awareness and Responsible Citizenship.
To achieve this goal, you are expected to achieve competency in the following course-level Student Learning Outcomes, each of which help you achieve one or more of the above outcomes:
Students will learn principles and practices of animation, motion graphics, and designing for interactivity using Adobe Flash for multimedia applications and the web. The course will provide “hands on” experience with the tools and techniques used by designers to create effective animations, interfaces, and sophisticated interactive web and multimedia products. Students will learn to:
Design skills, design process, personal expression, content development, project management and trends in visual communication as they relate to interactive media will be emphasized along with the learning of tools and techniques.
Class Materials
Recommended Reading
Optional Reading
The instructor can suggest other books and reference material.
Your final grade is based on your performance on exercises, projects, explorations (blog postings and presentation) and class participation.
Project grades are based on the quality of your work in the following areas: content/concept, form, function, and technique. For information on the specific grading considerations related to each of these areas, see Making the Grade.
In-class exercises will be assigned to support course lectures and demonstrations, and you should be able to complete these exercises during in-class lab time.
You will conceive, design, and produce (using Flash) two mini-projects and one robust interactive multimedia final project that will require substantive production time. Each project must include imagery, animation, sound, and interactivity; you are encouraged to use text, video, and/or other media elements as appropriate to your concept.
Full project details, descriptions, and requirements will be available on the projects page.
For the final project, you will conceive and design a new interactive multimedia project around a new theme/idea of your choice or extend one of the first two projects to create a robust and refined final project. A list of possible projects and specific project requirements will be presented.
Project grades are based on the quality of your work in the following areas: content/concept, form, function, and technique. For information on the specific grading considerations related to each of these areas, see Making the Grade.
In this class you will survey, research, and explore compelling and cutting-edge examples of interactive media art and design, the studios and artists involved in the production of such work, and other issues related to the design of interactive multimedia products and/or experiences. A collaborative class blog will provide an opportunity to share and discuss your findings. Your research will focus on three of four possible areas of exploration:
Your research will culminate in three blog postings to the class blog and one oral presentation/demonstration of your findings to the class.
Lab Hours
Computer lab hours are available to students in the Library and Information Hub. The library is generally open:
Mon – Thurs, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Class Participation
Attendance and participation in class will be considered as part of your course grade. Students are expected to attend and be on time to every class. If you decide to withdraw from the course, you must file the appropriate paperwork or risk receiving an “F” in the class.
Due Dates
All work is expected to be completed by the due dates. Late work may be lowered by one letter grade for each week that it is late.
Prerequisites/Advisories
None. MAT 120, 125, 135 and considerable computer and desktop experience (and/or CIS 100 and 102) are recommended.
Disability Accommodations
Students with a disability may be entitled to appropriate accommodations and are encouraged to contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) office at 795-6658.
Administrative Dates
9/4 is the “Add/Drop” deadline (without a “W” recorded). 11/18 is the “Withdraw” deadline (with a “W” recorded).
Conduct
All students are expected to follow the administrative rules and standards of conduct detailed in the University catalog. In particular, plagiarism may result in a failing grade and other consequences. Students are expected to produce original work. A student may not use or copy by any means another's work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. Quotations, photographs, or other artwork used by a student should be given appropriate credit or reference.