When: Spring Semester, 2005
Where: at UTSA’s new Music / Multimedia Lab

This course is an overview of the theories, skills, and hardware/software components of current multimedia production. Topics include digital image editing, digital sound editing, vector graphics and animation, multimedia web page development, and several aspects of interactive presentation. Emphasis is placed on hands-on creation of effective multimedia for instructional and commercial applications.

The course is a component of the Music Technology Certificate program and is also an elective within UTSA's Communication program. Typical uses of course-acquired skills include:

Media-rich Presentations
Instructional Animations
Instructional Games
Training Simulations
Media-Rich CAI Content
Web-Based Tutorials
Interactive Quizzes
Creative Music Videos
CD-ROM/DVD Programs
Public Relations Media

• Is this a new UTSA course?

No. It has been both an undergraduate and graduate level UTSA course that has been taught every year since 1995.

• How is it listed?

The course is listed in the UTSA catalog in the Department of Music under special topics. The course number is MUS 4953 or MUS 6353 for graduate credit. It is also listed in the Communications Department under 4453: Special Topics, Technical Communications, Multi Production.

• Is it a music course?

No. It is listed under music because it was developed first in the Department of Music. However, music is covered only insofar as it is used in multimedia. Its concentration is multimedia product development for instruction and communication.

• What is the course content?

The course covers the hands-on development of computer-based multimedia products for enhancing communication and instruction. Concentration is placed on developing familiarity with the techniques and tools required for effective multimedia development.

• What tools do students learn to use?

Software: Macromedia Flash and Dreamweaver, Digidesign ProTools and equivalents, Fireworks and Freehand, Apple Quicktime. Supplementary knowledge of numerous multimedia support tools is also provided.

Hardware: The new Music / Multimedia Lab's Macintosh PowerPCs (eMacs and G5's) , Scanners, Audio capture gear, Digital still and video cameras, etc.

• Do I need to buy all this stuff?

You can if you want, but no. Tools listed above are provided for each student. Some equipment (Digital Cameras, scanners) are shared. You can get most of the software free (for trial) or at a substantial educational discount if you want, or, if you have similar tools already, you may use those as long as class projects can be completed successfully. All software is cross-platform compatible so you can work in the lab and at home.

• Who teaches it?

Dr. Dave Sebald, Associate Professor at UTSA. Dr. Sebald holds a Ph.D. in music education with cognates in instructional technology and educational product development. He has written numerous articles and lectured throughout the nation on the creative application of computers and multimedia to all areas of education. His book, Multimedia Authoring, a Director curriculum guide for teachers, is available through TI:ME. In addition to teaching computer application and multimedia development courses at UTSA and Northwest Vista College, he is technology advisor to both the music division and the Institute for Music Research. His company, Advanced Instructional Media has produced numerous multimedia education products including nationally distributed videos and CD-ROMs.

Other guest lecturers and invited topic experts contribute supplementary information.

• Who can take the course?

Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at UTSA. We have had many business people, UTSA faculty, and military staff enrolled in previous semesters. Many of these people have enhanced their careers significantly in multimedia through the course. We try to limit the class size to under 15 each term in order to provide a more effective learning environment.

 

• How do I learn more?

E-mail Dr. Sebald, dsebald@aim-ed.com, or call his office, 458-5327.