COMM-TECH COURSE OF STUDY
This course examines communications systems and design production processes in the areas of electronic, live, recorded, and graphic communications. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to design, use and manage a broad range of communications systems. This includes the following five areas: Print Media (Graphics and Desktop Publishing), Web Page and Web Media Design, Audio and Video Production, 3D Computer Animation, and Digital Photography. Students will also explore the impact of communications technologies on today’s society, workplace and the environment.
This class is run like a real communications company and your instructor expects nothing less than professional behaviour from all “employees." Regular attendance, punctuality and effort are essential to success in this course.
Since the main goal of the course is student development of advanced technical skills and knowledge, the majority of the course will focus on a variety of practical, hands on projects that will be completed independently and in groups. Each project will focus on specific communications technology applications and will require students to demonstrate skills development in key areas. Each project will be broken into a few major components, such as: rough work and planning, production, final project and post production.
This class is run like a real communications company and your instructor expects nothing less than professional behaviour from all “employees." Regular attendance, punctuality and effort are essential to success in this course.
Since the main goal of the course is student development of advanced technical skills and knowledge, the majority of the course will focus on a variety of practical, hands on projects that will be completed independently and in groups. Each project will focus on specific communications technology applications and will require students to demonstrate skills development in key areas. Each project will be broken into a few major components, such as: rough work and planning, production, final project and post production.
Major Units of Study
3D Animation:
Work with Lightwave, 3D Studio and/or Maya 3D to complete an original animated "movie."
Principles of Graphic and Logo Design:
Develop a strong understanding of the basic elements and principles of graphic design to help you produce a personal graphic identity you can use on all future class projects.
Web Site Design:
You will learn the fundamentals of effective web design, working with Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks to produce a personal portfolio site.
Digital Imaging:
You will work with Photoshop to edit, manipulate and combine digital images to produce enhanced or composite projects.
Digital Photography:
Working with digital SLR cameras, you will learn the basics of digital photography, including shot composition, shutter speeds, exposure, depth of field, lighting, etc.
Audio Production:
Learn to create and edit an original soundtrack (music and sound effects) for a short video. You will use Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro and/or Soundbooth to complete this project.
Flash Animation:
Students will work with Flash to produce a simple web photo gallery for use on their portfolio website.
Graphic Design:
Learn the steps involved in the design process and the elements of design to create a personal "fantasy card" project using Photoshop, Coreldraw and/or Adobe Illustrator.
Video Production:
Working in a small group, you will use digital video cameras, lighting, etc. to record and produce a short, high-quality video project. You will use Adobe Premiere (and possibly After Effects and/or Audition) to complete your project.
Work with Lightwave, 3D Studio and/or Maya 3D to complete an original animated "movie."
Principles of Graphic and Logo Design:
Develop a strong understanding of the basic elements and principles of graphic design to help you produce a personal graphic identity you can use on all future class projects.
Web Site Design:
You will learn the fundamentals of effective web design, working with Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks to produce a personal portfolio site.
Digital Imaging:
You will work with Photoshop to edit, manipulate and combine digital images to produce enhanced or composite projects.
Digital Photography:
Working with digital SLR cameras, you will learn the basics of digital photography, including shot composition, shutter speeds, exposure, depth of field, lighting, etc.
Audio Production:
Learn to create and edit an original soundtrack (music and sound effects) for a short video. You will use Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro and/or Soundbooth to complete this project.
Flash Animation:
Students will work with Flash to produce a simple web photo gallery for use on their portfolio website.
Graphic Design:
Learn the steps involved in the design process and the elements of design to create a personal "fantasy card" project using Photoshop, Coreldraw and/or Adobe Illustrator.
Video Production:
Working in a small group, you will use digital video cameras, lighting, etc. to record and produce a short, high-quality video project. You will use Adobe Premiere (and possibly After Effects and/or Audition) to complete your project.
SUMMATIVE PORTFOLIO WEBSITE (30% of course mark):
Following the major skills units, students will assemble a media-rich portfolio website that showcases all their work produced during the course.
Following the major skills units, students will assemble a media-rich portfolio website that showcases all their work produced during the course.