Term: Summer 2020
Credits: 3
Meeting Days/Times: Online
SLN: 02482
Instructor: Ruth Gregory, Instructor and Assistant Director of the Digital Technology & Culture Program
Email: ruth.gregory@wsu.edu
Virtual Office Hours: Mondays 6-7pm via Zoom and by appointment
Course Description
Tools and Methods for Digital Technology is an introduction to tools and methods of production for multimedia authoring in digital contexts.
Material covered will include an introduction of the technical considerations regarding digital image production, the use of vector and bitmap graphics, and basic video production. Conceptual aspects of design and composition will also be covered with an emphasis on creative and critical thinking.
Learning Outcomes
- Practice core techniques for the production of digital media, including:
- File management and file types
- Photographs, graphics, fonts, page layouts, websites, audio, video
- Adobe Creative Suite software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere
- Content management systems (WordPress)
- Assess information and research sources to fulfill technical and creative goals
- Engage in independent and project-based learning, as well as collaborative critiques
- Establish awareness of the history of digital technology and related principles of design aesthetics
- Practice creative design and analysis of digital media
Required Materials
- Access design software necessary for completing projects. We will be using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for this course. More information on student pricing for these tools is available here: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html Note: It is not recommended that you use the trial version of the Adobe Software as this has been problematic in the past.
- Access to at least one computer that can meets the Adobe Creative Cloud standards. https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html
Graded Assignments & Weights
More information on each assignment and assessment will be available on our Canvas course site.
Your final grade for this class is based on weighted percentages. Here is how much each portion of the course will contribute to your final grade:
Quizzes – 20%
Q & A Discussion Boards – 20%
Projects – 60% (total – see breakdown below)
Includes pitches, final projects, and written reflection material.
New & Old Photomontage – 20%
Place & Displacement Image – 20%
Portfolio Site – 20%
Grade Scale
| Grade | Percentage | Grade Point | Grade | Percentage | Grade Point | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 94% – 100% | 4.0 | C+ | 77% – 79% | 2.3 | |
| A – | 90% – 93% | 3.7 | C | 74% – 76% | 2.0 | |
| B+ | 87% – 89% | 3.3 | C- | 70% – 73% | 1.7 | |
| B | 84% – 86% | 3.0 | D+ | 67% – 69% | 1.3 | |
| B – | 80% – 83% | 2.7 | D | 60% – 66% | 1.0 | |
| F | <59% | 0.0 | ||||
Note: There is no curve in this class.
Out-of-Class Workload
Because this is a summer course that runs during an abbreviated semester, students should expect to spend about 18 hours per week for each online 3-credit course, engaged in the following types of activities: reading, listening to/viewing media, discussion, or conversation in the LMS or other academic technology, conducting research, completing assignments and reviewing instructor feedback, studying for and completing assessments, etc.