The learning activity centres on authoring a multimedia project, including sound and animation, and research in a related topic.

Undertaking practical investigation of interaction and screen-based communications. You are expected to investigate existing work and current computing technology with others, but produce final work individually. Attending and participating in workshops and seminars covering:

* An outline of the MacIntosh and PC operating system (and cross-platform issues).
* An overview of the School of Art & Design computer workshop facilities, workshop practices, safety codes, and use of peripheral equipment.
* Basic imaging and layout techniques and constraints and criteria for digital communications.

Research of basic issues/content to be communicated.

Undertaking theoretical study of multimedia in self managed research and seminars on:

* An overview of multimedia and web-based examples.
* An overview of image and authoring software and digital principles behind their operation .
* An overview design and visual research methods and team learning.
* An overview interactive network media current practice.

Participation in initial and interim group tutorials/crits to monitor your personal progress and understanding.

Participation in an interim presentation of your background research.

Normally 1.5 staff hours per student per 10 credit module.

A) Know where information can be found, use basic research methods to find context and analysis to present appropriate material ( research)

B) An initial understanding of digital communication media and of how to design valid communication using digital media (Contextualisation; Visual analysis)

C) A practical understanding of basis principles of digital production (Production)

D) An awareness of team learning and support - learning as part of a learning community and an ability to organise your study by effective time planning, note taking and a directed efforts to acquire knowledge (Learning)

The content in brackets relates to the 10 learning outcomes for Art & Design outlined in the School's Student Guide.

This module introduces you to interactive multimedia. The module will cover the generation of ideas - including research - and generation of structures for interactive artefacts. A significant element is the substantive nature of the projects, which allow you to master technology that is new to you, and combine the use of imagery and layouts with simple interaction. You are expected to support each other within teams. You will be expected to produce useful documentation for your team and for assessment, recording preparation for production and reviewing you own - and others on-going work; demonstrating your understanding of the context and opportunities of interactive multimedia.

A CWK - A&D weighted at 100%.

Being Digital: Negroponte N, Hodder and Stroughton, 1995, ISBN: 0340645253.
Elements of Web Design: DiNucci D, Peachpit Press, 1997, ISBN: 0201885948.
The Use of Lateral Thinking: de Bono E, Penguin, 1991, ISBN: 0140214461.
Visual quickstart HTML: Elezabeth Castro, Peachpit Inc, ISBN: 0201696967.
Web Graphics Tools and Techniques: Peter Kentie, 1997, Peachpit Press, ISBN: 0201688131.

Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practioners in their subject.

Access to bookable studio space and small lecture/seminar room with blackout and digital presentation hardware. Access to digital printing and storage. Computing workshop facilities and software (website acitivity, multimedia tools, imaging tools, sound editing and video editing).

Specific Skills modulettes will be assigned to this module as soon as possible. A comprehensive listing of the modulettes is available from the School Office, together with the current operational parameters (ie group size, time allocation etc) for the modulettes. Some module descriptors will have more than one modulette assigned and this information will be held by the School Office initially.

100% coursework. Project work in digital communications supported by a body of rough work (A, B, C, and D).

Written work assessing knowledge of current digital practice, your experience of practical discovery in digital media (A, B and C).

To achieve a pass, grade 4 and above:
Your submission must show evidence of:
Viable solutions to communication problems. Identification of suitable structure, imagery and text. Proper use of school facilities for content research and practical research. Your research should show that you can use more than one method to find information on a topic. The presentation of your work should be clear and appropriate.

To achieve the highest grade, grade 13 and above: Your submission will contain solutions to communication problems which show a good grasp of fundamental issues of communication. Evidence of a range of ideas generated. Extensive and proper use of school facilities for content research and practical research. The research should show a high degree of understanding of the topics raised and the ability to use visual material to illustrate a personal, amnalytical response to the topic. The presentation of the work should be clear and appropriate and should enhance the communication of your ideas.

For an explanation of how your work will be judged please refer to the general learning outcomes statements for this level in the Programme Handbook.