home | et11 - Computer Skills for Digital Media - Spring 2018

David Javelosa
javelosa_david@smc.edu

Office Hours - CMD 220:
Tues.5:10p-6:10p
Wed..5:10p-6:10p
Phone:
310.434.3763


3368   02:00PM-05:05PM Th  CMD 208


Copyright © 2018, David Javelosa unless otherwise stated.

course content



class assignments
resource page

week 01 notes
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: check these weekly
: information - jobs/internships, technical, design, articles, etc.

: class overview, project schedule, computer & lab policy, file management, windows basics
: screen capture; format pictures in Word tutorial; Excel basics
: Photoshop: interface, toolbox, palettes, option bar, selections, fill command
: Photoshop:  image & canvas size, crop tool; paint & color tutorial, gradient tool
: Illustrator: raster vs. vector; tools & palettes; navigation, shape tools, GIF vs. JPG
: Audacity: digital audio basics, extracting from audio CD, DSP effects -PAPER DUE
: Powerpoint: text and image presentation; design & visualization; sound; basic animation
: presentation of midterm project
:
Photoshop/ImageReady: images for the web, creating GIF animation file
: Audacity: multi-track audio, Premier digital video basics, sound and motion, file formats
: Powerpoint: transitions, interface vs. background sound, use of video, non-linear navigation
: Dreamweaver:  design process, work interface, managing sites, creating a page with links
: Dreamweaver: styles and style management, tables, web graphics and formatting
: Dreamweaver: interface design, embedded media, intro to Gamemaker
: Gamemaker: creating objects with sprites, rollovers and other interactive behaviours
: presentation of final project

 
syllabus
Course Description

This introductory course covers the computer skills, concepts, and essential software needed to work successfully in the fields of computer animation and interactive media.  Students will learn the use of general computer skills such as file organization for projects, keyboard shortcuts, using local area networks, and using proper file suffixes.  Digital image concepts such as vector vs. rastor images, color bit depth, and pixel dimensions will be introduced.  Key software applications will be covered for rastor image editing, audio, web browsing, and spreadsheets

 

Course Objectives







 

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to

A.

Efficiently work with the computer, create files and folders, use keyboard shortcuts, work in a cross-platform environment, and work on a network.

B.

Organize and name files correctly.

C.

Make proper backups of information on the computer.

D.

Utilize the fundamental concepts of digital images.

E.

Use the essential functions of software for bitmap images, vector images, audio, web browsing, and spreadsheets.

 

 

Arranged Hours Objectives:

Student Learning Outcome:


Prerequisites

Recommended Skills:

Units

Upon successful completion of the arranged hours, students will be able to practice working with digital images and audio.

Students will use the essential functions of computer software for organizing
data, web browsing, and working with digital images and audio.

none.

basic computer familiarity

3.0

 
Text(s)

Required

Recommended

  • ”Software Essentials for Graphic Designers” by Mark Gatter is one of the few books that covers most of the creative programs we will use: Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.
 

Materials and Supplies

THIS COURSE WILL REQUIRE HEADPHONES IN CLASS.

Electronic media to backup and transport your work. All written assignments MUST be handed in as hard copy. All original illustration is to be computer printed or photocopied. No hand-done original work will be accepted. Reports must be professionally presented for a higher grade. Remember to label your disks/sticks with your name and phone number. Students often lose their media by leaving them in the classroom or lab. Labeling your media will increase the chance you will find them in the lost & found.

Cloud drives such as Google Drive or Dropbox.com are highly encouraged for reliabillity and easy access.

 

Methods of Presentation

Methods of Evaluation

Lecture; discussion; demonstration; hands-on projects

The final student grade in this course will be based on a combination of projects, class attendance, and participation. Full attendance is especially necessary since the projects must reflect successful solutions to the design issues raised in class. A pattern of late arrivals to class may result in a lowered grade or being dropped after 2 missed classes.

There will be weekly class assignments turned in at the end of each class. Assignments will be judged on technical execution, originality, and quality of design. Assignments must be turned in on time, or the grade will be lowered. Final projects that are submitted late will NOT be accepted.

  • Report/document combining original images with text and formatting 20%
  • Mid-term Powerpoint presentation 30%
  • Design flowchart and navigation map of final project 10%
  • Final Project software presentation (web page or Gamemaker) 30%
  • Class assignment participation 10%
  • Total 100%
A Exceptional
B Above average
C Average
D Below Average
F Failing (or project not completed)

 

 
Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to drop themselves from the class. If you wish to drop the class, do so through the SMC Registration Office. Please note the drop dates listed by the Registration Office

If a pattern of absences or late arrivals is noted, you may be dropped from the class.

 

DATES AND DEADLINES:

SPRING 2018

The sixteen week schedule is provided below for your information.  Click here for the complete schedule including 8 week sessions.

SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS.

Monday, Feb. 12, 2018

Students can enroll themselves into open classes until the night before the second class meeting (except online, hybrid and arranged hour classes).

 

PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY (CAMPUS CLOSED).

Monday, Feb. 19, 2018

Deadline to withdraw and receive REFUND (16 week session).

Visit your Corsair Connect portal.

Deadline to withdraw and AVOID "W".

Visit your Corsair Connect portal.

Deadline to withdraw and receive GUARANTEED "W".

Visit your Corsair Connect portal.

DEPARTMENTAL FLEX DAY (NO CLASSES - CAMPUS OPEN).

Friday, March 2, 2018

INSTITUTIONAL FLEX DAY (NO CLASSES - CAMPUS OPEN).

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Deadline to apply for Pass/No Pass.

Monday, March 19, 2018

​NO FURTHER TRANSACTIONS ALLOWED. Students must use the late withdrawal process which requires faculty approval with extenuating circumstances. NO GRADE check needed.

Visit your Corsair Connect portal.

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES - CAMPUS OPEN except 04/09/18).

April 9 - 13, 2018

Deadline to PETITION TO GRADUATE.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Final Exams.

June 5 - 12, 2018

End of Spring Semester.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Grades dues from Faculty.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

 

Final Dates
3368   02:00PM-05:50PM Th  CMD208
June. 7, 2018
 
Classroom Policy

Academic Honesty
The SMC Honor Code and Code of Academic Integrity, printed in the General Catalog, remind students of their responsibility to behave honestly and ethically. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these codes. Other guidance is also available online:

Student Responsibilities

Honor Code

Administrative Regulation 4412

Please be extremely careful that you do not engage in any behavior that could even be construed as cheating. Outside of class, students are allowed to study together. However, copying another student's work is not acceptable. If the instructor determines that students have violated the SMC Honor Code and/or the Code of Academic Integrity, the students may be assigned no credit. Future occurrences could result in academic disciplinary action. During an exam, talking to another student, looking at another student's paper or computer screen, using cheat notes or mobile devices, etc. are not permitted.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend ALL class sessions, especially the first scheduled session. Lectures and hands-on demonstrations will not be repeated for individual students. Please make a commitment to be in class on time, arriving within the first 10 minutes of class, even if you have not completed the current assignment. You are responsible for notifying your instructor in advance of any absence or scheduling conflict. You may be dropped from the class if you miss more than two consecutive classes without notifying your instructor. Students who are out for 3 sessions due to illness need to provide a doctor’s note to be reinstated back into the class.

Classroom Policy
Food or drink is prohibited in the classroom with the exception of water bottles which are permitted as long as they remain closed and kept away from all equipment. Use of the computers for purposes other than the assignments for this class is not permitted. No cell phone or smart phone use will be permitted in the classroom. Please turn off all electronic devices prior to entering the classroom.

Recording of Class Lectures
In accordance with Section 78907 of the California Education Code, students shall not use any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without the prior consent of the instructor, except as necessary to provide reasonable auxiliary aids and academic adjustments to disabled students.

Students with Disabilities
Santa Monica College accommodates students with disabilities.  If you qualify for any special accommodations due to a disability, you need to officially process your request through the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) office as close to the beginning of the semester as possible.  If you believe you have a learning disability that has not yet been documented, please notify the instructor and make an appointment at the DSPS office for assistance.  The DSPS office is located in the Admissions/Student Services Complex, Room 101, and the phone numbers are (310) 434-4265 and (310) 434-4273 (TDD). Scheduling of accommodated exams will be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency Prepardedness
The safety of students at SMC is a priority. Please note that emergency procedures are posted in this classroom and every classroom. Also, procedures for various emergencies are delineated on the SMC website. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with these procedures today, when knowledge of what to do can be the most effective."

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

Students should schedule an appointment with the counselors in Student Services, CMD 116, to develop an Educational Plan. This is to ensure that you are taking the necessary courses to prepare meet your educational goals.

During the first two weeks of the semester, appointments are given on a walk-in basis only. Please contact the counselors directly to make an appointment during the remainder of the semester:

Amanda Garcia                           Ashley Wadman
garcia_amanda@smc.edu              wadman_ashley@smc.edu


 
College use of
student work

By participating in this course, you agree to allow your work to be used by Santa Monica College for promotional purposes. These uses include, but are not limited to, display in physical and web galleries, promotional video tapes, and printed promotional pieces. You retain complete rights to your work, and Santa Monica College may not use your work for non-promotional purposes without your prior agreement.

DISCLAIMER

Some elements of the syllabus may be changed at the instructor’s discretion. Students will be given at least 48 hours notice of changes whenever possible. If there is any aspect of this syllabus which you do not understand, or to which you take exception, please let the instructor know within the first week of class.

 

Copyright © 2018, David Javelosa