This course will commence with a broad introduction to topics in Multi-Media Computing (MMC), including: web design, game design, animation, data visualization, simulation and robotics. Discussions will be introductory and will cover a broad range of subjects, such as: multimedia hardware and software, including game boxes; human interface design and input using multi-media devices; graphical and other forms of output to multi-media devices; computer-based sound editing; agent-based programming for simulations and robotics; and uses of multi-media in industry. Emphasis is on the design and creation of a range of artifacts, including: web pages, with HTML and cascading style sheets; interactive, graphical web-based programs; and simple computer games and narratives. The format consists of alternative lecture/laboratory class sessions, with strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
The following topics will be covered in 4 curricular units:
Students who already have knowledge of some of the topic areas and technologies that will be covered in CIS 3.5, will be offered advanced projects and modified attendance requirements if (and only IF) they can demonstrate that they are already familiar with the introductory level material within a topic area.
Prerequisites:None.
There is no required textbook for this class. Handouts and lectures will be provided to students when appropriate.
Students may use their own computers at home or use the college computers (Library, Computer Café, Web Building).
When specialized software is required, it will be either provided in the lab, or be freely available online.
A USB FLASH drive is REQUIRED.
Any acts of disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content will not be tolerated, in accordance with the Academic Code of Conduct described in the Student Handbook.
Cellular telephones, pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities. Calculators and computers are prohibited during examinations, unless specified.
A midterm and final examination will be given in class. Please schedule your other activities in advance. No make-up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements being made.
Students will not be given an incomplete grade in the course without sound reason and documented evidence. In any case, for a student to receive an incomplete, he or she must be passing and must have completed a significant portion of the course.
Students are expected to uphold the school’s standard of conduct relating to academic honesty. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student's own work. Students shall be guilty of violating the college’s policy if they:
Any student violating the college’s academic integrity policy is subject to receive a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.
For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. General advice and interaction are encouraged. Each person, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments, and tasks. In other words, students may not "work together" on graded assignments. Such collaboration constitutes cheating. A student may not use or copy (by any means) another's work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. If you need help on an assignment, contact your instructor, not other classmates.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to “reasonable accommodations.” Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course.
Tutors are available in the open lab in the laboratory facility at the WEB building. They may or may not be able to help you with your course materials.
Each of the areas of study are covered by one or more "Projects". Each project is designed to give you an in depth introduction to a subject area. Students should prepare to spend AT LEAST 3 hours weekly, outside of the classroom, working on this material. If you do not have enough time, do not take the course. Do not kid yourself!
You need to create an archive of the files you are submitting, and then email the archive to me. If you are using a PC, please use WinZip (not WinRar) to create the archive. WinZip is a Shareware program which you can download if it is not already installed on your Windows machine.
If you are using a MAC, you can use the File - Create Archive utility in the Finder. Simply highlight all the files you want to include in the archive by clicking once on each file's icon while holding down the Apple key. Then from the Finder, click on File - Create Archive and an archive file will be created called Archive.zip.
Each assignment must be handed in or emailed to me on the day that it is due. Any assignment received after midnight of its due date will be penalized 10%, for each calendar day after the due date (after 10 days I don't accept it).