Multimedia Skills Course Syllabus

Course Description: This course is designed for students who feel comfortable with the basics of technology as taught in the MS Tech Skills course, and who want to go further in developing web sites and other multimedia projects that address the student’s own special interest.

Part II Processes

Applications: The focus of this course is practical applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Attitudes: The following attitudes will be taught through modeling, discussion, and reflection:

Students will think of ICT as a tool for solving problems, not as just an end unto itself.
Students will learn the value of planning a major project
Students will understand the ethical implications of working with ICT and the necessary choices when using other people’s materials.

Research: Students will have occasions to search the best way to do something, or to learn a new technique, and they will learn where help can be found: in manuals, help screens, peers, or expert helpers.

Interpersonal Skills: Students will be expected to work with others in the class on some projects. They are also responsible for taking photographs for the school web site, so they will learn how to interact with the people they photograph.

Part III Critical Questions

What can ICT be used for that is difficult to accomplish in “traditional” media?
What is the difference between content and appearance?
How do images enhance content rather than being superfluous?
Is a project using ICT necessarily ephemeral?
What is intellectual property and how does it affect our actions when creating projects and reports?

Part IV Technology Use and Library Use

Most work will be done in the aforementioned graphics programs or FrontPage 2000, although students may have occasion to use video editing programs, sound editing programs, or other programs to accomplish their tasks. In addition, students will be expected to research their topics on the Internet and understand and follow copyright restrictions and U.S. fair use guidelines.

Part V Topic Summary & Key Concepts

Web site development
Students will learn:

to develop and connect information non-linearly in order to present it in a web.
how the appearance enhances or detracts from their message
how appearance and content are independent.

Ethics Students will learn the ethical implications of their actions.

HTML & CSS Students will learn basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and how to create a Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Images Students will study imaging files and formats in depth.

Part VI Examples of Expanded Assessment

Students will produce projects, which will be assessed on technical achievement as well as content. This will be done in conjunction with another class or co-curricular the student is taking, whenever possible.
Students will be required to jointly develop a project with others in their class, and assessment will include their ability to cooperatively create a project.
Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts with performance tasks.

Those involved with preparing this syllabus: Marguerite Arnote, Polly Casmar, Don Weber, Ellis Melton

Date:    March 4, 1996,
Revision:           May, 1997
Revision C:        May 2001 (D. Fincher)

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