Introduction to Digital Media Syllabus

Instructor: Bill Blevins

Bill_Blevins@ddouglas.k12.or.us

 

Course Overview and Objectives

Introduction to Digital Media is a course designed to give students a working knowledge of current creative software and its capabilities. With this course limited to a semester, and targeted as an introduction, students receive a true “introduction” before moving on to another software application.  The focus is acquiring a working knowledge, an overview of the capabilities, and demonstrating knowledge through the creation of projects.

Course Organization

Much of the course will rely on online tutorials, and independent work.  This course will involve a great deal of higher-level analysis, experimentation, independent study, projects, some teamwork, and creativity. 

A major project of the course is that of a video.  This will require a heavy reliance on a student’s application of CRLS such as: organization; and personal management. 

Subjects / Topics Explored

The following software applications will be introduced:

·      Windows Movie Maker

·      Photoshop

·      Macromedia Flash

·      Adobe Illustrator

Activities / Projects

1. Movie Project: Students will be creating movies with Windows Movie Maker.  Preparation for such projects will involve developing scripts, storyboards, and a great deal of organization and planning.
2. Adobe Photoshop: Students will be gaining an introduction to the power of Photoshop.  A portfolio of pictures utilizing its capabilities will be produced.
3. Adobe Flash:  Students will be gaining an introduction to the creative capability of Flash.  A portfolio of short animated items will be produced
4. Adobe Illustrator: Students will produce a series of vector graphics while gaining an understanding of logo design.
   

Assessment Methods / Grading Scale

Each student will be evaluated on all facets of this course, its activities / projects, attendance/punctuality, and class participation. The weightings will heavily favor projects.  The final project of the web pages is an extremely important graded element of this class.  All work should be saved on your server for it to be available on your website.  The conclusion of the course will be a peer review of your work and web pages.

Grading Scale:

Instructor / Office Information

Instructor: Bill Blevins

Offices: Room 212 for this course.

Office Hours: 7:30-8:00am (Except Wednesdays), 2:40-3:30+ weekdays, in 212. Telephone: 503.261.8387

E-mail: Bill_Blevins@ddouglas.k12.or.us

Website: mrblevins.net

Methods of Communication: E-mail and in-person are the two best and most efficient ways of communicating with me outside of class.