New Media Productions

The course syllabus is a general plan; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

Objectives:

In this class, students will learn how to design and develop Internet sites that function effectively with multiple platforms (desktop computers, cellphones, etc.), and will receive hands on experience in the use of media and web development software such as Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, and Flash. Topics will be presented through lectures and demonstrations, and class time will be provided to work on assignments. Assignments will support the development of a project that students can use to showcase the skills they acquire in this class to future colleagues and employers.

Target audience:

This class is NOT an advanced web development course. Students with extensive experience designing and implementing web sites will find some of the material covered in this class redundant. This class is intended for students who want to become proficient in web and media development for their own area of expertise. Students will leave this class with a greater understanding of how to use the Internet effectively, and an emergent set of skills, that can be applied and enhanced in a variety of future settings.

Textbook:

This class utilizes a workbook (The New Media Cookbook) that is available for pickup at print copy services in theTate center. All relevant information for the class, including this syllabus and class workbook is available on eLC.

Assignments:

Please send your assignments to me via email only. Detailed instructions will be available on eLC.

- Assignment 1: Final project website planning – For this assignment, you will need to state your goals and objectives. You will also start thinking about the website’s content, categories and -images.  5 points.
- Assignment 2: Creating an original website with Dreamweaver. 10 points.
- Assignment 3: WordPress.com. 5 points.
- Assignment 4: Create a Google form. 5 points.
- Assignment 5: Build a site. 10 points.
- Assignment 6: Build a Flash Jukebox. 10 points.
- Assignment 7: Talking heads. 10 points.

Final Project  & Presentation:

Your final project is to build your resume website. Where appropriate, class exercises may also be incorporated into the portfolio. Evaluations will be based on the student's ability to effectively incorporate and present the programming and design skills that were presented during the class. At the end of the term, students will present the final version of their project. These presentations will be 10-12 minutes long and will be judged on overall preparation, presentation of background information, use of interactive visual aids, demonstration of programming competence, rationale for the evolution of the design, and professionalism (email me a link to your website). Be prepared topresent the following:

1. Overview of current limitations/problems with the current site.

2. Feedback you receive from other users regarding the current site and what they would expect or want in a prospective student recruitment website (e.g. how did you collect your data, what did you learn, etc.)

3. Show your design and explain how your site improves on the current student site. Also demonstrate how you incorporated user input.

4. Explain how the new site could be managed (e.g. do you need to have Flash skills on staff, how often would it be updated, etc.)

Class participation:

This is a hands-on class requiring extensive participation and sharing among all class members. Students will be evaluated based on class attendance, participation in asking and answering questions, and other aspects of communication and teamwork. Most of the work in this course is done in-class. Don't miss unless you have to! If you do miss a class, contact me ahead of time to avoid an un-excused absence.

Technology News Quizzes:

Online quizzes will be posted each week, covering the current week's technology news. Students are required to read technology articles that appear in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Athens Daily News. These articles will be linked from the NMI's homepage. Each student must complete an online Quiz covering these articles. Every Friday a quiz will be posted online. This quiz will be self administered on ELC (check out the Academic Honesty Policy below) and timed. Students must complete the quiz by 5P on Monday. Late Quizzes will not be accepted. Visit Take the Quiz for more information.

Social Media Requirements:

All students enrolled in an NMIX class must complete the following during the first week of classes.

• Create a LinkedIn Account.
• Join the New Media Institute LinkedIn Group.
• Create a Facebook Profile.
• "Like" the New Media Institute Fan Page.
• Create a Twitter Account
•  "Follow" NMIUGA & NMIstudents

*All accounts must have the students full name and a picture.
Links to each of these accounts can be found at the bottom of the NMI website (mynmi.net).

Feedback:

Your feedback is very important to the success of this class. The URL for online evaluation is eval.franklin.uga.edu and will be available around the end of semester. From time to time I will ask for your feedback in writing, but please feel free to contact me at any time during the semester and express your experiences and concerns. I cannot promise to meet each and every request, but I promise to take all feedback seriously.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend each and every class. If you must miss a class, please contact me ahead of time for approval. Medical-related absences require a note from your doctor. If you do not show up for class and do not contact me ahead of time for approval, your final grade will be reduced by a letter grade for each three unexcused absences.

Coming late:

You must come to class on time to receive the full benefit from your class. For every two times you arrive late, you will be counted absent.

Cell phones off:

Turn your cell phone off before you enter class.

Classroom computer use:

In class, computers should be used for class purposes only. Professionals do not engage in extraneous activities during meetings. Successful students do not engage in activities unrelated to a class during that class. In class, do not use your computer for activities unrelated to the class. Answering email, texting, working on other class projects, Facebook – do these on your own time, not during class. If you engage in non-class related activities during class, you might as well not be in class – and you will be counted as absent.

Challenging evaluations:

There is a professional approach for addressing evaluations (or grades) with which you do not agree. First, take some time to consider the evaluation. After you receive the evaluation, think about it for at least 24 hours before doing anything – this cooling off period will help you present your case in a positive manner. Second, formulate a rational argument for why you deserve a better evaluation. And third, first present your argument in writing then request a meeting to discuss your evaluation.

Academic Honesty:

As a University of Georgia Student, you have agreed to abide by the University's academic honesty policy, “A Culture of Honesty", and the Student Honor Code.  All academic work must meet the standards described in "A Culture of Honesty" found at: www.uga.edu/honesty.  Lack of knowledge of the academic honesty policy is not a reasonable explanation for a violation.  Please read the entire policy online, but the short story is don't cheat.  You will be expected to do your own work and to report individuals who do not do their own work. You will have several assignments where you will not be monitored but that does not excuse appropriating other individual's work. The punishments for violations of the Academic Honesty Policy are severe. Frankly, the pay off ain't worth the risk – don't do it.  Questions related to course assignments and the academic honesty policy should be directed to the instructor.

Disability Services:

UGA is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws including the American Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to fulfill course requirements should contact the instructor during regular office hours or by appointment.

Grading:

• Assignments – 55%
  

• Final project – 25%
  

• Class participation – 10%
  

• Weekly technology quizzes – 10%
  

• Total – 100%