DM30  Interactive Media      Spring 2008 - course syllabus    6 units lecture/lab CSU transferable

CR is serious about serious games!
Inspiration for DM30 and samples of the types of games to be developed in the course can be found at http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/

DM30 currently has two prerequisites: DM15 and DM20. If you have not completed the prerequisites you may be able to waive the requirement through instructor recommendations (all CIS, DM, BT instructors can make these recommendations). Before considering request for prerequisite waiver it is important to understand that the rigor and expectations of this course are beyond a typical DM course. Students will have to be self-motivated to learn and increase software skills in order to contribute to the team production. Students will also need to commit to their team and project so teams will be able to move ahead with production as defined throughout the semester. If you are considering this course but unsure if the fit is right, talk to Clyde Johnson or any of the other DM, CIS, BUS, or BT faculty.

Instructor: Clyde Johnson            Telephone: 476-4372
E-Mail: clyde-johnson@redwoods.edu
Class information: http://isweb.redwoods.edu/instruct/johnsonc/DM30/

Office hours: by appointment    
Lab hours : M 9:00-9:30am, Thur 10:30-11:30am
Class Times: TTH 11:30 - 1:25   FM106 and FM108

Required Textbooks and Other Materials:
1. Required textbook - Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning
2. Each student may need to purchase an additional textbook that is aligned with their role in the team project.
3. Removable media (USB key) and 1 or 2 blank CD-Rs

Course Description     A capstone course using professional level software to develop products for entertainment and/or educational use. Students work alone and in teams to develop electronic products to meet defined objectives and delivery requirements. Students use project management tools and media development techniques learned in previous classes to follow a production process to completion and delivery.

DM30 in Sp 08 will provide an integrated educational experience for DM, CIS, and BT students looking for a capstone course to fulfill degree requirements and/or to participate in a unique educational opportunity. Students will work as team members to produce an interactive product that includes a “serious” game for educational and/or social value. Software skills will cover a full range of media development tools for graphics, audio, video, and animation. Students’ role in the team environment will be aligned with their major areas of study at CR.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Analyze interactive products in terms of functionality, design, and content.
• Develop an interactive product in a team modeled after a professional development team.
• Define the needs of a specified media-based product for a basis of project design.
• Demonstrate understanding of the development process to project completion.
• Create required graphics, audio, video, and animation to be used in a defined interactive product.
• Design and develop a navigation system to be used in an interactive product.
• Write and adjust code for object control and user interactions.
• Publish an interactive product on the Internet and/or CD-ROM and DVD.

You will be expected to read the textbook, complete hands-on computer assignments and other assigned class work, participate in classroom discussions, take an active role in the development of a group project, and complete a personal final project compiled with various development software. In preparation for DM30 you can consider what role you would take in a team project: management, design, graphics, audio/video, animation, and programming. Project management will include methods for team coordination/communication and project asset management along with management charts and timeline development. Designers will need to be familiar with interactive educational products and production guidelines and limitations to insure successful project completion. Project managers and designers roles will have some overlap. Animators will also be graphic designers, and need understanding of animation principles, timeline based animation software (including Flash and ToonBoom) along with skills in vector graphic drawing tools. Programmers will need familiarity with Flash ActionScript, possibly HTML and JavaScript if projects are to be delivered through the web.

Coursework breakdown:
20% assignments and quizzes,   40% group project,   40% personal project

Assignments and quizzes:
As you go through the textbook you will develop small digital prototypes to demonstrate your understanding of development software as applied to textbook concepts . The key to receiving full credit in the assignments is to be thorough in providing all the details outlined in the assignments. There will be a maximum of four quizzes and they may or may not be announced. All text assignments to be turned in must be word processed unless otherwise specified. Late assignments receive 50% credit. Make-up tests are not available unless previous arrangements are made.

Group project:   You will work in a small group of students to develop a specific interactive project that includes a "serious game". The production team for a project will be modeled after a professional multimedia team and each group will delegate responsibilities to ensure that their project is completed by the end of the semester. Emphasis for all team members will be the effective use of skills, time and facilities. When class sessions include work on team projects, it is your responsibility to provide your part to the team as well as completing all project tasks on time.

Individual project:   You will be developing content for this project throughout the semester. This project will include all the elements of multimedia: audio, video, text, graphics, animation and interactivity. This project will be the result of detailed planning which will include outlines sketches and storyboards. A complete description of requirements for this project will be provided.

Time Commitment:   As a 6-unit course, DM30 is a time commitment of 18 hours per week outside class and working in the DM lab outside of class time. Class attendance is required for successful completion of this course and you will have to consistently participate in communication with your team members outside of class. If you miss class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed from your classmates. Handouts will be provided on the class website after the initial handout date. Three unexcused absences may lower your final grade one letter, five absences two letters lower, and seven absences will result in an F grade for the course. Arriving 10 minutes late or leaving 10 minutes early will count as a half absence.

Incomplete Grades:    In general, incomplete grades are not given. However, if you have extenuating circumstances, please talk to instructor at the time of the problem. Incomplete grades are not given if you ask during the last 2 weeks of school. In order to get an incomplete grade; you must be receiving at least a C grade at the time of the problem.

Grading:
90 -100% = A,      80 - 89% = B,      65 - 79% = C,      55 - 64% = D,     54% or less F

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.