615-380 Multimedia Design for Info. Systems

This subject is regarded as a non-science subject for students enrolled in the BSc, BASc and combined BSc courses.

615-280 Multimedia and Communications.

In this subject students will explore some of the current and new technologies that support multimedia systems on the Web as well as some of the theoretical issues that underlie their development and use. Part of this subject aims to help students improve their technical skills in digital media by exploring the scripting language underlying technologies such as Flash, and to give students an opportunity to explore issues relating to new technologies.

Much of the subject addresses the issue of how information should be presented rather than how it can be presented. To this end, the subject will present some of the cognitive underpinnings of the use of multimedia and apply these in a practical project. In recognition of the rapidity with which multimedia technologies are changing, students will have some choice in the technical aspects of some of their assignment work.

Students should improve their ability to work in and collaborate with a team as well as their ability to write a report. Seminar classes will support the development of skills in critical reading and analysis of the research literature in this area as well as in presenting an oral review of such literature.

A written research paper of up to 2000 words and a seminar presentation due during the semester (30%); workshop and seminar participation (10%); an individual assignment relating to learning technical skills due mid-semester (30%); a group assignment relating to appropriate design and application of multimedia components due at the end of semester (30%). Satisfactory completion of individual assessment components and attendance of at least 80% of seminars is necessary to pass the subject.