Syllabus: Survey of Communication Technology

Directed Studies: DS-295

Instructor: Robert Force, M.Ed.
Assistant: Jack Olmstead

Washington State University Learning Center
North Olympic Peninsula
Port Hadlock, WA 98339

Course Description

This class studies and employs the use of internet-based, mass communication media tools that create access to evolving world markets, the formation of public opinion, and new directions in broadcast journalism. Students will study and incorporate filming and digital editing techniques designed to provide a basic understanding of the use and operation of the video medium as a modern marketing and communication tool. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students to create original products appropriate to the evolving standards of the industry as well as to assist media designers and other communications professionals in preparing training, assessment and documentary video projects for creative, educational, business, and community purposes.

Course Objectives

- To develop an understanding of the role of internet-based video as a change agent in world culture.
- To develop an understanding of the working practices of internet-based video-streaming, blogging, archiving images, and multi-source distribution of content.
- To develop an understanding of visual communication techniques and basic image acquisition and manipulation.
- To develop skills in the use of video cameras and computer editing software.

Length of Course

Essential mastery is based upon a nine-week course consisting of four, classroom instruction and two, computer laboratory hours per week. Instruction may be delivered in different time formats.

Instructional Methods

Manual skills will be taught utilizing a combination of demonstration by the instructor and practice by the student. Technical knowledge, and related professional applications, will be taught by lectures, discussions and project assignments. Projects will be implemented where leadership, personal responsibility, safety, and individual creativity will be fostered. Speakers from the communication, marketing, and videography fields will be brought in to create awareness of current industrial, social, and cultural practices.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

- Understand the use of digital video in modern communication applications.
- Operate production peripherals included, but not limited to, cameras, computers, television monitors, wired and wireless microphones, tripods, and greenscreen.
- Understand the basic elements of videographic composition and be able to utilize this knowledge to create videos that reflect the standards of the industry.
- Employ various computer video-editing programs including I-Movie and Final Cut Pro and be able to transfer final projects to tape, DVD, and upload to the Internet.
- Demonstrate an ability to analyze a project and employ the appropriate tools to create a completed product appropriate for targeted consumer groups.
- Have an understanding of the various jobs associated with the industry and be able to describe their functions and duties.
- Successfully create and manage projects that employ modern communication technologies and imaging.
- Student Planning

Assigned projects will require the student to prepare scripts, storyboards and flow charts before starting actual work. Group planning projects will be used to encourage cooperative attitudes, personality development, leadership, social interaction skills and planning abilities.

Assessing Progress

Individual projects and benchmarks for learning will be reviewed by the instructor, by the student, and by various peer groups, both within the class, as well as outside of the classroom. Although it is recognized that mastery of the tools and the medium is a goal, progress, rather than attainment, will be the operant method of evaluation.

Records

General records to be kept include attendance and individual portfolios of student work.