Syllabus

EIPT 6523         Spring 2005


 
 
Instructor: Dr. Amy Bradshaw Office: Collings 320B Phone: 325-1530
e-mail: bradshaw@ou.edu Hours: Tues. 1:30 - 3:00, & by appointment

Course Overview & Purpose
This course is grounded in conceptual and theoretical framworks of instructional communication. A particular focus is the design principles and theories that underpin effective visual and media communication. During the course you will develop production skills that will be important to your success in other courses and activities. We can classify most of the projects we will work on in this course as "micro" level, that is, individual components and skills that can be used as building blocks. These micro level skills, when combined with learning theory and instructional design, are used in the development of "macro" level projects, such as instructional multimedia programs and web based instruction projects. Success with mastering the tools included in this course should also increase your confidence and ability to acquire even more productivity skills in a field in which the primary tools constantly evolve.

Texts
Required:
Lohr, L.L. (2003). Creating Graphics for Learning and Performance. Upper Saddle River, N,J.: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Adobe (2002) Photoshop 7: Classroom in a Book. Berkley, CA: Adobe Press (Peachpit Press).
Carlson, J. (2004). iMovie & iDVD for Mac OSX. Berkely, CA: Peachpit Press.

Optional:
Joss, M.W. (1999). Looking Good in Presentations (3rd ed.). Scottsdale: Coriolis.

Materials
For this course you will need:
1. Zip disks
2. Original and found Photographs, Sounds, and Video to be manipulated (See Original materials below)
3. Three-Ring Binder for notes, handouts, project & portfolio printouts, etc.
4. Intense amounts of time (many hours each week outside of class)
 
Software to be Used

Adobe Photoshop
Sound Editing Software 
     (e.g., SoundEdit, Sound Forge, etc.)
Apple iMovie and/or Adobe Premiere 
MS PowerPoint 

  Hardware to be Used

Macintosh Computers (Windows laptops welcome)
Assorted Digital Cameras 
Digital Video Cameras 
Other Digital Video Editing Equipment 
CD / DVD Burners

Time. Several hours each week outside of class are necessary. The time required for this course may well exceed that other courses you have taken. If your work or personal schedule does not allow you to meet the intense time requirements for this class, you are advised not to take this course. On the other hand, this course will provide you with  you the opportunity to acquire and refine skills that are not included (but which may be implicitly assumed) in other IPT production courses and that will serve you well in future media production endeavors.

A Word About Creativity
Sometimes people feel intimidated by their perceived lack of creativity. While certainly beneficial, creativity is not as vital as precision when communicating ideas via media in an instructional context. Creativity is encouraged. Precision is expected. Both can be nurtured and increased.

Original Materials
Ideally, you will select and develop materials around a theme of your choice, Although sticking to a theme is not absolutely necessary, doing so should result in a more cohesive and coherent final portfolio. You are welcome to select a theme that serves a purpose beyond this course.

Layout & Design
You have the opportunity to explore, examine, acquire, and refine knowledge and skills related to visual literacy and design. Understanding several concepts and principles is necessary to the development of highly effective visuals and media for instruction. You will be provided with an initial list of concepts to explore and think about. This is only a starting place; you are expected to investigate and add to this list as the course progresses.

Photos. During the first day or two of the course, look through your personal photo collections and identify photos to scan for some of the photo projects. Below are some ideas to get you started. (Don't spend too much time looking for photos; we have lots of resources available.)

Nice subject, poor background
Nice subject, less than ideal lighting
Nice "people" shot
Photo of yourself
Interesting inanimate object
Great background shot

Sounds. During this course you will use and manipulate both original sounds (e.g., you record yourself) and found sounds (e.g., from the internet, sound clip collections, CDs, etc.). During the first week, identify sounds that you have in your personal collection that fit your personality and/or that seem to fit the mood of images you have identified for use in the course. Select at least one sound or song that would be appropriate for use as a soundtrack for your digital portfolio.

Video. Time and equipment permitting, we will digitize clips from personal video cassettes. If you have a collection of original VHS video cassettes, identify a brief portion of an original video to be digitized.

Modes of Participation

Thorough and careful reading of the Lohr text is highly recommended. For each assigned chapter or section, there will be a related discussion, activity, or quick quiz, any or all of which may be "graded." You are expected and encouraged to refer to the accompanying website as directed in the text.

Nearly all of the activities in this course center on individual projects. However, we will form 'support teams' to provide peer assistance and support throughout the course. You also will learn in teams about digital video recording and editing. Early in the semester, each team will meet with the instructor to learn how to use a Sony Digital Video Recorder. Team members will videotape each other so each person will have a short clip of themselves to manipulate. The team configurations should provide support, motivation, peer mentoring, and benevolent critiques throughout the various projects. You most certainly are encouraged to interact beyond your specific team and to share the tips and tricks you discover regarding the software used with others in the class.

Your attendance and participation are vital and impact each member of this class. Because class time is so limited, you are expected to be on time and attend every session.

During class, we will use Macintosh for all projects (if you have a Windows-based laptop and the appropriate software, you may bring it to class with you). Outside of class, you have the option to do individual activities from school, home, or office, using either platform, if you have the appropriate software programs. This course involves many complex tools and processes, so we may not have time to explore sound and video products for multiple platforms. However, I will provide you with information regarding similar production tools for the Windows environment, should you choose to pursue them during or following this course.
 

Projects
Projects will be submitted in multiple forms. All projects should be submitted via the Project Drop box in "EIPT6523" on a designated COE server. In addition, final and major components of each project should be "saved for web" and displayed on a simple web page. These web pages will serve as the core of an online portfolio. (We will discuss this more in class.)

Mini & Preparatory Projects
Each student will submit mini projects from each of the categories listed below. For each project, submit both the original(s) (scanned, if from a paper copy) and the final version(s).

1. Design Principles
Using at least three sources, compile a word processed list of design principles with definitions / descriptions. You are welcome to include sketches or diagrams where appropriate (although not required).  You will be provided with an initial list of concepts, which you should expand to include other important and relevant concepts you encounter during the course. After the due date, you should continue to extend and refine this compilation as the semester progresses. This will become part of your final printed portfolio. The course projects and the midterm exam will provide opportunities to demonstrate your understanding of courses-related concepts and principles.
10 points possible.  Be sure to cite all sources using APA style.

 2. Photo Manipulation
a.  Format Comparison: Starting with a 'clean,' high quality graphic, save the same file in at least four logical (useful) and contrasting formats. Write a brief summary for each regarding the formats chosen and what purpose each would best serve. Note the differences in size, palettes/colors, etc. (submit at least four files)  5 points possible
b.  Image Series: Starting with a good, high quality original, manipulate the image to create at least four new, high quality images (e.g., sepia tone; black and white with selective "hand painting"; monochromatic image; images produced using various filter effects; etc.) For each final image, provide a concise description of the procedures used to achieve it. (submit at least five files: original, new 1, 2, 3, 4 . . . )  10 points possible
c.  New background: Subject overlaid on different background  (min. 4 files: original, subject only, background, final version)  5 points possible

d.  Collage: Final image created from components of at least three different originals and including text added in Photoshop.  10 points possible (submit at least four files: three or more original component files, final image)

3. Animation    10 points possible (2 x 5)
a & b. Each student will develop and submit two original animated gifs.
    (submit two different animated gif files) 

4. Sound Editing    20 points possible (5 points each)
a. Found, Edited Sound (submit original and final version).
b. Original Sound.
c. Edited Long Sound, adapted from CD.
d. Edited Sound from Multiple Sources (must include fades & overlays). possible

5. Video Editing    (15 points possible)
a.  Found, Edited Video. Using at least two 'found' video clips from the internet or digital video collections, use Video Edit to make each clip shorter, smaller, and more usable.  (submit two separate originals and two separate final versions) 5 points possible (2 x 2.5)

b.  Multi Source Clip with Sound. Using portions of at least three different existing video files, and at least one sound file, edit together a new video clip on a topic of your choice. (submit at least five files: at least three existing video clips, at least one sound, and the final version) 10 points possible.


Major Projects

1. Instructional Visual Object
Develop an instructional visual that communicates a concept, idea, or procedure. (For example, see the the Hot Chocolate Activity from the Lohr support site. We will discuss more examples during class.) This project should communicate using both images and text, in a single "screen" or page. If you are unsure about whether or not your idea fits the purpose, please discuss it with the instructor before beginning.

2. Web Set
Animated Banner, Rollover Graphic, and at least four Buttons. All components of the set should work together harmoniously and should be developed / saved with appropriate resolution, palette, format, etc.  for one of the following topics:

      Instructional Psychology & Technology (at the University of Oklahoma)
      EIPT 6523: Production of Educational Media
      (other topics with instructor approval)

(submit photo files plus a web page on which they have been placed) 15 points possible

3. Color Wheel Screen Design Project
We will begin a color wheel graphic during a class session. You will modify that graphic to create several versions of the wheel and related components, as discussed in Lohr, chapter 6. Then create a series of screens that include descriptions or explanations of the images. The goal is to create a mini presentation on the topic of basic color theory concepts. You may use text directly from Lohr (be sure to give credit!) or you may adapt / paraphrase Lohr or other sources (but, seriously, be sure to give credit if you adapt beyond basic common knowledge in content or structure). Your screen series should include headings and explanatory text, images, and navigation devices. The series may be developed using the Internet,  PowerPoint,  Authorware,  Flash, or other presentation / authoring program. The series should include (at least) the following  screens.

1. Title Screen
2. Primary Colors (spectral: R G B, & artistic: R Y B)
3. Color Wheel (three-part build)
        • primary (R Y B)
        • add secondary
        • add tertiary
4. Complementary Colors
5. Monochromatic Color Scheme
6. Analogous Colors
7. Warm Colors & Cool Colors
8. Credit Screen

4. Procedure Writing  
Procedure writing is an important skill for most instructional settings, particularly where technology tools are used. Select a topic (with instructor approval) and develop thorough, accurate, step-by-step procedures. Include necessary visuals and address potential problems. (Include Word file or webpage & related images.)    
(This project may be done in teams of two.)
These will be compiled into a "Procedures Notebook" for student reference.
Select a topic that will be useful to students of instructional technology (and get instructor approval).
5. Informational Presentation Editing Project
Using raw video footage provided by the instructor,  develop a presentation video including titling of important points, voice overlays, and other techniques described in the Carlson text, and saved to DVD.   25 points possible

6. Demonstration Video Project
Original Digitized Video with Natural and Added Sound. Using video shot by you and sound developed via  a sound editing program,  develop  a very brief "how to" video that teaches something worthwhile (get instructor approval). Projects should include both natural and added sound. (submit at least three files: basic video, basic sound, final version)  50 points possible

7. Portfolio Project
You will develop a Portfolio for this class in two forms, digital and printed.  Develop the Digital Portfolio using PowerPoint,  Authorware ,  Flash, or the Internet).  Examples will be presented in class. The portfolio should include the flowing items:
   Grading

Each assignment will be awarded points up to the maximum possible. Projects will be evaluated
in terms of Overall Quality & Appeal, Technical Difficulty & Execution, Usability, & Creativity.
 

Assignment 

Mini & Preparatory Projects
    1. Design Principles Compilation 
    2. Photo Manipulation
    3. Animation
    4. Sound
    5. Video

Major Projects
    1. Instructional Visual Object
    2. Web Set
    3. Color Wheel Screen Design
    4. Procedures
    5. Informational Presentation Video
    6. Demonstration Video Project
    7. Portfolio (digital & printed)

Design & Critique Test 

Lohr DAQs / Attendance & Participation

Total Points Possible     

 
350 - 315 = A
314 - 280 = B
279 - 245 = C
244 - 210 = D

 Points


10
30 (5+10+5+10)
10 (5 +5)
20 (5+5+5+5)
15 (5+10)


10
20
25
15
25
50
40 (30+10)

40

40 (10+30)

350
 

Late Work
Assignments submitted up to one week late (with or without pre-approval) will result in a 10% penalty.
Assignments submitted more than one week late will result in a 50% penalty.

Activity Schedule
Assignments and readings are due at the beginning of class on the dates on which they are listed.
 
Wk. Date Topics & Activities Reading / Assignment Due
1 

 
 


 		 1-19
 
 

 
 
  		Introductions, Syllabus, 
Projects & Equipment, 
Scheduling Equipment Use, 
Support Groups,  Finding a Theme, 
"Socrates," "Plato," & Internet resources, 
(Basic Web Pages?)		 Personal Profiles
 

 
 
 
 
2
 
 

 

 1-26
 
 

 

 PS Activity: Image Correction
PS Activity: Selections & Layers
Lohr Discussion, Activity, or Quiz
[Scanning & Digital Cameras]
[Take Pictures with Digital Camera(s)]		 Lohr, Ch. 1
PS, Chs. 1, 2. 3, 4, & 5
 
 
3 
 
  

 

 2-2
 
  

 

 Lohr D, A, or Q
Visual Messages & Screen Design 
Sound Editing Basics & Activity 
 
  		Lohr, Chs. 2 & 3
PS, Chs. 6, 7, 8, & 9

Minis 2a, 2b (format, image series)
Bring a favorite music CD
4
 
 

 

 2-9
 
 

 

 Lohr D, A, or Q
Text & Typography Basics  PhotoShop In-class Activity: Buttons
Procedure Writing 

Lohr, Ch. 4 & 5
PS, Chs. 10, 11, 12, & 13

Minis 2c (new background)
Minis 4a, 4b (sounds: found, original) 
5 



 

 2-16
 



  		Lohr D, A, or Q  [Color Wheel]
Photo Rollovers
Simple Animation 


  		Lohr, Chs. 6 & 7
PS Chs. 14, 15, 16
iMovie 1- 5 (52 pp)

Mini 2d (collage)
Minis 4c, 4d (sounds: CD, multisource)
6
 



2-23
 



Lohr D, A, or Q
Video Basics
iMovie (& Premiere, etc.?)
Scheduling Video Equipment

 Lohr, Ch. 8 & 9
PS, 17 & 18
iMovie 6-8 (42 pp)

Minis 3a, 3b (animations)
Major 1 (Instructional Visual Object)
7
 
 



3-2
 
 



Lohr D, A, or Q
Sony TRV-10 (digital video camera) 
iMovie  /  Premiere
(video editing)


Lohr, Ch. 10
iMovie 9-17 (82 pp)

Mini 1 Check (Design Principles)
Minis 5a, 5b (edited found vid,
      multisource vid w/added sound)
8

3-9

 Project Critiques
Misc Video topics (lighting)
 Lohr, Chs. 11 & 12 
iMovie 18-22  (63 pp)
Major 2 (web set) 
9
 
 3-16
 
Spring Break - No Class

10

 3-23

 Screen Design Review
Digital Portfolios

[Option to submit Major 3 or 4]
11

3-30

 Design and Critique Test

 Major 4 (procedures)
 
12

 4-6

 Work on Projects

 Major 3 (Color Wheel)
Major 5 (presentation video dvd) 
13

 4-13

 Peer Feedback

 [draft of portfolio]
14

4-20

(Work on Projects / Portfolios)

Major 6 (demo video w/snd)
 
15

 4-27

 Individual work on portfolios

  
16

5-4

Portfolio Presentations

Major 7 (Portfolios)

  

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