Applied Multimedia
Welcome
A minor in Applied Multimedia affords students an overview and in-depth exploration to the field of multimedia production as used for training, educational, and commercial applications. Students will get exposure to a variety of multimedia software and technologies via extensive hands-on experiences. Topics include digital photography, image manipulation, digital video, web page design and multimedia authoring. Class discussions and readings focus on instructional design considerations, application issues, and career opportunities.
Program Purpose
The program purpose is to provide in-depth exploration of how interactive multimedia and Inernet content is developed and delivered and explores the latest developments in multimedia technologies, techniques, and theory. In addition to examining the hardware and software involved in creating "new media", the classes explore historical perspectives, design considerations, and evolving issues. The rapidly expanding multimedia and internet industries and career opportunities in multimedia are examined. Frequent field trips and guest speakers are utilized. Students get extensive hands-on experience using Macintosh computers. They work with CD-ROM's, DVD, digital cameras, digital video, animation, color scanners, the World Wide Web and authoring software. The classes demonstrate the numerous applications that these new technologies have in a wide range of disciplines, with special consideration given to applying these tools in the student's own area of major study. Emphasis is given on using "new media" for electronic publishing, computer-based training, distributed learning, corporate communications, and desktop presentations. The development of project management and interdisciplinary teamwork skills is also fostered.
Facilities
Classes are hands-on and taught in the new Digital Media Studio in the Center for Visual Arts complex, equipped with state-of-the-art computers and the latest multimedia and Internet production software and peripherals. Small class sizes affort a one-to-one student-computer ratio.
Why Multimedia?
In the last few years multimedia has moved from being a buzz word to becoming practical. The introduction of digitized video, the explosive proliferation of the Internet and CD-ROM hardware and software, and the increased availability of multimedia capable computers, have moved this from "gee whiz" technology to the "how do I use this?" phase. Interactive technologies have been used effectively for a number of years in industrial, government, and educational settings, and now multimedia is entering homes in dramatic numbers. As most computer systems are now promoted as being "multimedia ready", the number of CD-ROM titles and multimedia applications has exploded. The content of CD-ROMs and Web sites have matured from being primarily databases to being creative, unique, interactive multimedia environments, often containing video, sound, and animation. At the same time flatbed scanners, digital cameras, and digital video cameras allow anyone to put their images into electronic form. Even CD-ROMs and DVDs can now be affordably produced. Electronic publishing seems poised to make enormous leaps. This minor makes you a "player" in this exciting field.
How does the program meet the needs of Oregon?
One only needs to look at a current newspaper to read how Oregon has moved from a timber-based economy to a high-tech based economy. In fact, an Economic Development task force has identified software production as a key economic development strategy for Southern Oregon. State economists have identified multimedia as "one of the fastest-growing segments of Oregon's computer industry".
How will this minor affect employment prospects?
From the above information it should be apparent that the multimedia and Internet production field is expanding exponentially and there is a need for well-trained workers. Less apparent is the advantage that job seekers in a variety of diverse careers will have with a minor in multimedia. Industry will be looking for employees with a variety of interdisciplinary skills, as well as specialized computer skills.
