University of Missouri - Columbia
School of Information Science and Learning Technologies

 

 

IS&LT 7361 – Fall 2009
Introduction to Digital Media

(3 Credit Hrs.)

 

Instructors: Dr. Jane Howland

TA: Gordon Graber

 

 

Course Information

 

Course Overview

 

This course focuses on helping students learn to create Web-based digital media (images, audio, and video) and to display or showcase digital media on the World Wide Web. The course provides a foundation for more advanced courses in Digital Media and Web Development offered by the Digital Media Zone.

 

This is an ONLINE course with no regular in-person or classroom meetings. The course is offered via Sakai (https://sakai.missouri.edu/portal) and supported by Mentors and Instructors who work in the Digital Media ZONE.

 

Prerequisites

 

·     Basic computer skills

·     Basic Web/Internet skills

 

Course Objectives

 

Upon the successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

 

·     Create digital media products for the Web using digital media software

 

·     Understand and apply digital media copyright laws for educational Web content

 

·     Upload and download digital media files to/from Web hosts and servers

 

·     Learn to create & evaluate Web pages using accepted Design and Usability Standards

Instructor Information:

 

Instructor: Dr. Jane L. Howland

Associate Teaching Professor, SISLT

Email: howlandj@missouri.edu

Phone: 573-882-6698

Office: 221A Townsend Hall

 

Instructor: Gordon Graber

Email: glgqk3@mizzou.edu

Phone: 573-882-1653; 877-848-9663 (Toll Free)

Fax: 573-884-4944

Office: 201D Townsend Hall (The Zone)

 

Office Hours:

 

Dr. Howland - By appointment. Please communicate with me via email (not a Sakai private message, as I don’t regularly check that).  If you’d like to talk, just let me know and we’ll arrange a time for a phone call or IM.

 

Gordon Graber – in the Zone

To Be Announced

 

Graduate Teaching Assistants: Doctoral students from SISLT are available to help you with your questions, especially about fundamental skills or software use questions via e-mail: zone@missouri.edu.

 

Digital Media ZONE:

 

The ZONE is staffed by Mentors (Faculty and PhD students) who are focused on helping you learn by doing. The ZONE is a physical and virtual space/place where you can receive help and support from those who have special knowledge and skills, but where you are ultimately responsible for your own learning. Your Instructor and the ZONE Mentors do not teach you in a traditional classroom approach. They help you learn by providing guidance and support while you learn by doing.

 

The ZONE is part of the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies in the College of Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

 

The ZONE is physically located on the second floor of the Reflector (Room 201D) in Townsend Hall. The Reflector is a technology-rich support environment for students in the MU College of Education.

 

To learn more about the ZONE and the full range of support for online students enrolled in Digital Media Zone courses offered by the ZONE, please visit http://zone.missouri.edu

 

A map to the Zone

 

 

Course Materials and Resources

 

Books and Required Readings

 

Due to the number of technologies included in this course, readings are drawn one required text and online tutorial sites. Additionally the student is encouraged to seek out recommended books and other online resources that pertain to the specific programs the student chooses to use in this course. Some of these texts are available by subscribing to Safari Books Online (http://safari.oreilly.com/home) for a monthly or annual fee. Safari offers a range of subscription of will also allow you to purchase texts at a reduced cost and allow you to access a vast array of technical and professional publications online at no additional expense.

 

 

Required Text

 

Digital Media Primer – Yue-Ling Wong

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Media-Primer-Yue-Ling-Wong/dp/0132239442/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

 

Digital Art: Its Art and Science – Yue-Ling Wong

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Art-Its-Science/dp/0131757032/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

 

 

Recommended Texts

 

Podcasting 101 for Training and Development: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions

http://www.amazon.com/Podcasting-101-Training-Development-Opportunities/dp/0787988499/

 

Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual

http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Web-Sites-Missing-Manual/dp/0596008422/

 

Digital Photography Hacks

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Hacks-Industrial-Strength-Tools/dp/0596006667/

 

Digital Video Hacks

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Video-Hacks-Shooting-OReillys/dp/0596009461/

 

 

Software for this course

 

1. Students will need up upload all projects to their Bengal Web Space using a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) program, such as: SecureFX (for PC users) OR MacSFTP (for Mac users). You can download a FREE copy of these specific SFTP programs from the University of Missouri IATS Software Distribution Center.

 

2. Firefox Browser (http://www.mozilla.com/) .

 

3. The following software programs are required for accomplishing projects in this course. While you may choose alternative software at your discretion, all instructions and exercises will assume the use of these applications.

 

Purchasing software is not required to complete the work in this course, though reduced cost educational licenses of the programs are available via TigerTech. If you prefer not to purchase the programs, you may use computers available in either the Digital Media Zone or the Reflector in Townsend Hall, or you may download a 30 day trial of each commercial software application from the links provided. If you plan to use trial versions, wait until the start of the unit in which you will be using the software before downloading so that you do not run out of time on your trial!  

 

Recommended Software By Project

 

Program

Link to Download
Digital Imaging
Adobe Photoshop CS4

(Commercial; 30 day free trial available)

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

 
Digital Audio
Audacity 1.2.6

(Stable) (Free)

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
Digital Video
Adobe Premiere CS4

(Commercial; 30 day free trial available)

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

 

Web Development
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4

(Commercial; 30 day free trial available)

 http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

 

 

Grading and Project Due Dates

 

Brief descriptions of each project are listed in the Project Assignments section below. More detailed instructions and assessment rubrics for each project will be provided in the Resources/Course Projects folder in Sakai. The rubrics will determine whether your project assignments contain the basic requirements and demonstrate you have mastered the digital media concepts covered in the Units of Instruction.

 

Note: to receive an "A" for this course you must also participate fully in the weekly online discussions and contribute to peer reviews of your fellow students' work – read the Class Participation section below.

 

 

Project Assignments

 

The course is divided into 8 Units of Instruction focused on the four Digital Media projects described below. Please consult the detailed project description documents for each assignment for detailed instructions and assessment guidelines/rubrics:

 

1.   All projects require a 1-2 page paper describing the techniques used in addition to the project work, with enough detail provide so that someone who is new to the software could follow your steps.

 

2.   All project work must be uploaded to your Bengal storage space, unless you have the permission of the instructor to use alternative storage. If you have not used Bengal before, you must first request your storage space at:

https://Webapps.missouri.edu/revamp/wizards/BengalWizard/bengalWizard.jsp

 

Important Note:  because of this Bengal requirement, you may not use any other Web based services to create or deliver any of the projects.  This is especially important for the final Web Portfolio project.  For example, this means you may not use services such as Google Sites to create and host the final project.

 

 

I.  Digital Imaging

 

In this project you will create and submit TWO unique original before & after digital images (images YOU created or are from your family photo collection, not downloaded from the Web) that illustrate you understand how to acquire digital images into your computer (via a digital camera, scanner, video frame grabber or other acquisition technique); edit the original image(s) to improve them for display or printing, alter them using artistic techniques in Adobe Photoshop Elements (or equivalent digital imaging editing software); and produce a high quality/high resolution JPG file, or series of files, that you upload to your Bengal Web file storage space.

 

You have flexibility in this assignment on how you accomplish the above objectives.

 

Some example projects include:

o   Scan old family photographs, remove scratches, color correct , crop and straighten, and create a digital 'frame'.

o   Shoot a sequence of images using a digital camera, acquire them into your digital imaging software, and create a collage or layered image, or image sequence.

o   Photograph or draw a series of digital images and use them to create a digital slide show that can be displayed on the Web.

 

2. Digital Audio

 

In this project you will create a digital audio file, or files, that illustrate you understand how to capture and manipulate digital audio information and prepare it for playback on the Web. You will then upload your finished audio file(s) to your Bengal Web file storage space in a standard digital audio format (MP3).

 

The audio file should be at least one minute long and can include speech, music, sound effects or a combination of all three.

 

Some example projects include:

o   An edited interview with a friend or relative about some topic of interest to you.

o   Original music you created using Apple GarageBand or other music creation program.

o   An audio voice over (voice track) set to a piece of music you have captured using iTunes or other audio editing software.

o   An audio file that showcases digital sound effects you have created and edited.

 

3.  Digital Video

 

This project focuses on creating a short (2-3 minute) digital video that can be either video slide show of still images set to music, or a motion video that you shoot and edit using a digital camcorder or another type of video recorder. You will then prepare the edited digital video into a standard compressed digital video file format (mpeg-4) that can be uploaded to your Bengal Web file storage space.

 

Some example projects include:

o   A video slide show with a music track that has animated transitions between still images.

o   A video with simple audio soundtrack(s).

o   A video "sketch" on a favorite pet, person, or place.

 

4.  Web Showcase – Final Assignment

 

In your final project for this course you will create a Web page, or series of Web pages that showcases and explains the media types from your previous 3 projects (images, audio, video).

 

Using a Web page editor of your choice create a HTML page, or series of HTML pages, that can be uploaded via SFTP to your personal University of Missouri Bengal space and viewed in a standard Web Browser. Build hyperlinks in the page(s) which allow viewers to view your images, listen to your audio, and watch your videos. This project is good practice for those of you that will need to build an online portfolio to fulfill your degree requirements. More ambitious students can explore creating simple Macromedia Flash slide shows that showcase your images, audio and video project work. See the detailed instructions for this assignment during Unit 8 for more information and ideas.

 

In conjunction with the final project, graduate students will also prepare a Web evaluation report to further demonstrate your learning in this course.

 

 

Class Participation

 

Orientation Discussion Assignment

 

An introductory paragraph about yourself is required for 1 point.  A discussion forum will be provided for you to present this information.

 

Peer Review Assignments

 

For each project ( 3 projects + final project), you are required to review the work of at least 2 other students in the class and provide constructive feedback to each student. Instructions will be provided for each assignment on what groups you are assigned to and how the peer review assignments will work. Each peer review assignment is worth 2 course points

 

Weekly Course Discussions

 

There are 5 discussion forums interspersed throughout the semester, and you will be expected to participate in these forums. To receive full credit for these discussions, the postings must be substantive.  Responses such as "good idea," or "interesting point", while appreciated as general feedback to your classmates, will not be considered substantive responses. Substantive responses are those that extend the discussion, elaborate on points others have made, etc.

 

Each discussion topic is worth 1 course point. For each topic, you must make at least two substantive messages (one contribution of your own idea and one reply to another’s message) to earn the point.

 

The following assignments must be submitted in order to receive a grade. It is your responsibility to submit these assignments by the due dates in accordance with the guidelines established for each project.

 

Final Reflection

 

There is a final reflection assignment worth 1 course point to be sent to the instructor in a private message in Sakai.  This will consist of a short message highlighting what you learned and how you think the course could be improved.
Grading Scale (Percentage)

 

Project

Percentage of Final Grade

1. Digital Images

20%

2. Digital Audio

20%

3. Digital Video

20%

4. Web Showcase

25%

5. Participation (includes Orientation Assignment)

15%

 

100%

 

For Graduate Students

 

For the Final Project, graduate students will be required to complete an Web evaluation task and have a different assessment to support the expected learning outcomes of a graduate course. This information will be provided with the detailed instructions for the final project.

 

A: (100-90), B: (89-80), C: (79-70), F:(69-0)

 

For Undergraduate Students

 

A+: (100-97), A: (96 - 93), A-: (92 - 90)

B+: (89 - 87). B: (86 - 83), B-: (82 - 80)

C+: (79 - 77). C: (76 - 73), C-: (72 - 70)

D+: (69 - 67). D: (66 - 63), D-: (62 - 60)

F : (59 - 0)

 

The following definitions of each grade are intended to provide a standard for judgment, not a rule that can be applied mechanically; thus, while a grade of C in an undergraduate course indicates adequate work, a grade of C in a graduate course indicates work of less than adequate quality.

 

·     The grade of A is awarded for performance of outstanding quality.

·     The grade of B is awarded for superior, but less than outstanding performance.

·     The grade of C is awarded for adequate performance.

·     The grade of D is awarded for performance that marginally meets minimum standards. In most, but not all, cases a grade of D in a prerequisite undergraduate course is regarded as adequate for enrollment in the next higher course, whether it be the same or a related department. The grade of D is not awarded to graduate students.

·     The grade of F indicates a level of performance that is unacceptable.

 

How to succeed in this course

 

Check the Home Page of the course (in Sakai), Announcements and Discussion Forum(s) regularly for any changes or important announcements related to the course. Major course Announcements will be e-mailed to your Mizzou e-mail address. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this course:

 

·     Maintain a reasonable pace of work each week of the course. Do not wait until the week an assignment is due to begin engaging in the work. Make a work schedule for yourself indicating when you will focus on the topics of the course.

·     Get to know your classmates and the ZONE mentors. Take advantage early of opportunities to learn about your classmates and let them know about you. Contribute to the discussions by posting good ideas and also by responding to what others write. Forming a community with your fellow students will make the course more enjoyable and will aid your learning.

·     Work collaboratively. How much you learn and how much enjoy this course will depend on the sense of connection you develop with your fellow students. Strive to help your fellow students and try to benefit from what they have to offer. Check the course discussion boards often - at least once a day.

·     Check your understanding. Your goal is to understand the theories, principles, and concepts central to the course. Do not stop with the reading only the required course materials. Always review the underlying concepts and interact with your fellow students and instructors to see if you need to strengthen your understanding.

·      Contact the Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant or a ZONE Mentor when you need help. The ZONE Mentors on duty in the Digital Media Zone are here to help you be successful in this course. You should feel free to contact them anytime you need help with anything related to this course. For additional support see http://zone.missouri.edu/support.html

 

Course Policies

 

Instructor and Peer Review Feedback on your Projects

 

You will receive both Instructor and fellow student feedback on your project work in this course. If you wish to receive Instructor feedback on a project before an assignment is due, you must request the feedback at least 4 days prior to the due date to allow enough time for either the Instructor or Teaching Assistants to give you feedback and for you to implement our suggestions. If you submit a request for feedback at a later time, we will do our best to give you feedback but we may be too busy to help you by the due date. You should also utilize the knowledge of your fellow classmates when you have a question or need help. Ask for feedback from your fellow students by posting a question to the appropriate project discussion board(s).

 

Late Work

 

The due dates are clearly posted above. It is important to note that late work will be penalized. If you have conflicts or problems, do not hesitate to contact your instructor or teaching assistant.

 

Assigned work is to be completed by the due dates. Without prior consent, late work may result in a grade reduction of 25% and assignments more than 3 days late may not be accepted. If you have circumstances that affect your ability to complete assignments, please contact us in advance of the due date.

 

Note:  Internet, computer, or technical problems are not valid excuses for late assignments. Make sure that you have a backup plan for accessing alternative computers for completing and submitting assignments.  Do not wait until the last minute to start or finish the course work – it is a recipe for failure.

 

Regarding Policies and Procedures

 

In general, you should consider the grade you receive on any project to be final. If you wish to appeal a grade on a project, you must request the appeal via an e-mail to the Instructor no later than 48 hours after receiving the grade for a project. In the e-mail, include a detailed explanation as to which part of your assignment should be re-graded and why you are requesting a grade review. After re-grading, you may receive a higher grade, the same grade, or a lower grade.

 

Incompletes

 

Incompletes in this course will be given if, and only if:

 

·       The completed portion of the student's work in the course is of passing quality and

·       There is such evidence of hardship as to make it unjust to hold the student to the limits previously fixed for the completion of his/her work.

 

If you meet the above criteria and you wish an Incomplete in this course, you must immediately send an e-mail to the Instructor (zone@missouri.edu). In some cases, an Incomplete will result in an automatic drop in letter grade. All requests for Incompletes must be provided two weeks prior to the Final Project due date.

 

In any ZONE course in which an INCOMPLETE is requested, all course assignments and projects must be completed and turned in for grades before the start day of the next semester. Failure to submit remaining assignments prior to the next semester will result in a letter grade of F for the course.

 

For more information on Incompletes, please visit: http://registrar.missouri.edu/Policies_Rules_and_Regulations/incomplete.htm

 

Course Withdrawal

 

Withdrawals will adhere to university policies regarding dates and grades. If request for a withdrawal is submitted after the university due date, a student will only receive a W for a "passing" status in the course. Otherwise, an F will be reported.

 

For more information on Withdrawals, please visit:

http://registrar.missouri.edu/Records_Transcripts_and_Degree_Audit/Records/Grades/withdraw.htm

 

Disabilities and Accommodations

 

If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please contact the ZONE Manager, Christiana Kumalasari. Please call the ZONE manager, visit the ZONE manager when she is on duty in the ZONE, or use one of the other contact methods identified on the ZONE Web site. To request academic accommodations (for example, a note-taker or translator), students must also register with Disability Services, AO38 Brady Commons, 882-4696. This is the campus office responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students requesting academic accommodations, and for accommodations planning in cooperation with students and instructors, as needed and consistent with course requirements. Another resource, MU's Adaptive Computing Technology Center, 884-2828, is available to provide computing assistance to students with disabilities.

 

The above statement is the standard statement required by the University and may not apply if you are taking this course online. If you have a disability that you feel requires special accommodations specific to this course, please contact the ZONE Manager, Christiana Kumalasari, using the contact methods provided at http://zone.missouri.edu/support/contact.html.

 

Academic Dishonesty

 

Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences that range from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructor.

 

Intellectual Pluralism

 

The University community welcomes intellectual diversity and respects student rights. Students who have questions concerning the quality of instruction in this class may address concerns to may address concerns to Dr. Jane Howland (howlandj@missouri.edu). All students will have the opportunity to submit an anonymous evaluation of the instructor(s) at the end of the course.