TCO 491 Advanced Multimedia Syllabus

Fall 2008

T/R 10:50-12:05

Instructor: Dr. Susan Codone

Department of Technical Communication

Phone: 301-4185(w); 475-0016(h)

E-mail: codone_s@mercer.edu

Website: http://www.tco425.pbwiki.com

Textbooks and Supplies

Required - Chapman & Chapman, Digital Multimedia

ISBN: 0470858907

Learning ActionScript 3.0  Shupe & Rosser

978-0-596-52787-7

Course Description

TCO 425, Advanced Multimedia, is an advanced examination of the technical aspects of multimedia, including animation, video, audio, wiki design, podcasting, scripting, and multimedia portfolios. Students will build web content in a collaborative wiki environment, author custom animation, develop an advanced website, and shoot and edit digital video for incorporation into an online project.

Course Objectives

 Prerequisites: Successful completion of TCO 285 and TCO 325.

Course Standards

1.      Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the date due. In an exceptional circumstance you may petition to submit an assignment late. If granted, the grade will be reduced one letter grade per day late.

2.      In-class writing should be turned in as written, preferably on standard notebook paper and in dark ink. If your handwriting is hard to read, please double space. Illegible text will be assumed to be incorrect since it does not communicate your ideas, which is the goal of this course.

3.      Prepare all out-of-class writing using a computer and format it properly in a business-like manner.

4.      Correct grammar (usage, spelling, and punctuation) is the standard requirement for technical communication. It is assumed that you know the mechanics of writing and this will not be the focus of this course. Therefore, errors will count in class.

5.       Attendance is required due to the large amount of in-class work and team activities we will be doing. You can't "make up" experiential learning. Therefore, if you must miss a class, please notify me in advance and bring a memo of explanation with you when you return to class. Each absence above three unexcused absences will result in a loss of 25 points off the final grade. It is especially important that you be present when your classmates give peer reviews, since you will be giving written feedback. Absences during peer reviews and oral presentations will be counted as double.

6.      Collaborative work will be assigned regularly because companies routinely use teams to accomplish their business goals. Collaborative work is a learned skill that you must consciously develop. You will be learning to manage the group process as well as the communication principles in this course. Each group member will be asked to rate the participation and effectiveness of others.

7. Grading encompasses every aspect of the course, from participation through final products. You can assume that every task requested directly or indirectly factors into your grade. For example, having your work prepared for your group is as important as having it ready for me. Regular feedback will be given on documents submitted.

8. You are encouraged to schedule a conference at any point that you need it. If you need to see me, catch me after class to schedule a time or email me at codone_s@mercer.edu.

9. Students bear the sole responsibility for ensuring that papers or assignments submitted electronically to a professor are received in a timely manner and in the electronic format(s) specified by the professor. Therefore, you should have your email client issue a receipt verifying that the document has been received. You are encouraged to retain a copy of the dated submission. To the best of my ability, I will acknowledge receipt of your assignments.

11. Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering the lab.

12. The honor code provisions as outlined in the Bulletin and in the student handbook, The Lair, will be assumed for everyone. It should be clear from class discussion which projects will be collaborative and which ones must be individual.

13. Students requiring accommodations for a disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible.  If you are not registered with Disability Services, the instructor will refer you to the Disability Support Services office for consultation regarding documentation of your disability and eligibility for accommodations under the ADA/504.  In order to receive accommodations, eligible students must provide each instructor with a “Faculty Accommodation Form” from Disability Services.  Students must return the completed and signed form to the Disability Services Coordinator on the 3^rd floor of the Connell Student Center.  Students with a documented disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services and complete a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester.  For further information, please contact Carole Burrowbridge, Disability Services Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the website at http://www.mercer.edu/stu_support/swd.htm.

 Assignments