Digital Media Studies
Introduction | Courses | Faculty
IntroductionThe Digital Media Studies department is where students can gain access to some of the best
software used in the business sector. Non-IBMYP students are required to take Computer Applications, where they will become proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite. From here students can choose from several multi-media courses. The Video program utilizes Final Cut, and has a state-of-the-art lab. IBMYP Tech Students are introduced to Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Photoshop CS 3, Audacity, and several other software applications. For those students wishing to learn Flash and 3-D animation, then the Multimedia course is available. The Web Design Courses offer extensive training in Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
All course work is performed in a state of the art Mac Lab. Students also have access to modern digital cameras and video recorders. The objective of the department is to provide students with the entry level skills needed to acquire a job immediately upon graduation. Our goal as a department is to continually upgrade the facilities in order to meet the demands of our students in the multi-media age.
Currently the Video Club is offered by DMS faculty.
Computer ApplicationsThis course does not qualify for NCAA initial eligibility certification.
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer Education, Practical Arts or Elective)
Prerequisite: None
Students will develop necessary skills for proper handling and operation of the computer. This course is an entry level course designed for students who do not wish to program the computer. Practical applications for personal and business use are stressed in the areas of word processing, visual presentation, and spreadsheet. Visual presentations and career exploration will be required.Digital Music and Audio Production
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Practical Arts or Elective)
Prerequisite: None
In this course students will be introduced to the hardware and software tools needed to create high-quality digital recordings. Students will learn the technology of audio and acoustics in order to record effectively. Logic Pro will be the software sequencer used, with which students will learn the basics of building a song and arranging and mixing their songs. This will include editing audio, recording MIDI, programming and editing MIDI, programming drums, manipulating tempo and time, and automating the Mix and using control surfaces. Students will also learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware used in both recording and as sound effects. The hardware component will also introduce the student to the different types of computer equipment used in a recording studio. The students will also be introduced to basic electronics and acoustics in order to design a functional sound studio or isolation booth. The class is open to all musicians, singers, and those who want to be introduced to recording technology. Numerous keyboards, microphones, and other instruments are available to the students.Video Game Design
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Practical Arts or Elective)
Prerequisite: Computer Applications or Instructor Approval
Students will use non-programming problem-solving techniques to design, create, and test computer games using Game Maker. The semester begins by learning how to use algorithms and heuristics to solve problems, these techniques will be essential to solving gaming problems. Students will also be introduced to the basics of binary notation, and will learn how to use Fireworks to create custom gaming backgrounds, sprites, and animations. Each student will also have the opportunity to use Garageband to create custom sounds and music for games.
Video Production 1, 2Course Length: Two semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credits per Semester: 1.0 Elective or Practical ArtsThis introductory course covers both the ways in which video communicates with viewers and the methods by which it does so. Communication, planning, and production are equally balanced. This course treats video as a mature and independent medium, not merely a variant of television or a recording alternative to film. This course is appropriate for two groups of students: those preparing for careers in communications media as well a creators of personal programs who expect to make videos of professional caliber. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in storytelling and production through a variety of hands-on projects.
Advanced Video Production 1, 2
Course Length: Two semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Video Production 1,2 and instructor approval
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Pract. Arts or Elective)
Note: Students may not enroll for first semester only; this is a commitment for the entire year.This course builds on the skills developed by students in Video Production 1,2. It is a laboratory-workshop class of students responsible for providing a cablecast through the school’s video system of news and feature stories. The course also includes the production of community, educational, and personal video programs. The duties of the students will include writing, videotaping, editing, and performing in video segments of events, programs and personalities connected to life at school. The students will learn broadcast journalism skills and techniques, including the use of written treatments and/or storyboards which demonstrate storytelling and critical thinking skills on the pre-production, production and post-production phases of video production. This course is appropriate for students who are preparing for careers in communication media or journalism.
Broadcast Video Production 1, 2Course Length: Two semesters
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Advanced Video Production
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Prac Arts or Elective)This course builds on the skills developed by students in Advanced Video Production 1-2. It is a laboratory-workshop class of students responsible for providing a cablecast through the school’s video system of news and feature stories. The duties of the students will include writing, videotaping, editing, and performing in video segments of events, programs and personalities connected to life at the school. The students will extend their knowledge of broadcast journalism skills and techniques, and demonstrate advanced skills in communication with the audience; including production of news packages, as well as the development of more extensive treatments and/or storyboards which demonstrate storytelling and critical thinking skills based on the Pre-production, Production and Post production phases of video production. The course also includes the production of community, educational, and personal video programs. This course is appropriate for students who are preparing for careers in communications media or journalism. All students will be expected to work within the frameworks of both journalistic/informational content and graphic/visual/aural content, demonstrating proficiency in effective communication with the intended audience in the creation of the narrative form, as well as the ability to integrate visual and aural content. Students will be expected to produce both individually and in groups.
Web Site Design
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer Education, Practical Arts or Elective)
Prerequisite: Computer Applications or teacher approvalStudents will learn the basics of web page design using HTML code and Dreamweaver. This entry-level course emphasizes the use of applications used in Web development. Along with Dreamweaver, students will learn Fireworks to create 3-D button, animations, and image optimization. Web site design, software, services, production, current issues, and online distribution are covered as students produce their own web sites. Take Website Design Internship after this course and get vocationally certified.
Website Design Internship 1, 2Course Length: 2 semesters
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer, Practical Arts or Elective)
Prerequisite: Web site Design or Instructor Approval
This course is designed to give classroom experience and/or on the job experience in web site design. Students apply their acquired skills from Web site Design by designing and maintaining web sites.IBMYP Technology & Design
Course Length: One Semester
Grade: 10
Perquisite: none, (Students must be enrolled in the MYP program)
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Computer, Practical Arts, Elective)This course delivers hands-on, experiential, process-oriented instruction in computer applications, computer design, and design technology. Using the “Design Cycle,” project work focuses on investigation, planning, creation, and evaluation. The course also provides proficiency in computer applications and support for the MYP-required Personal Project.
Staff Members
Office Phone
328-5199 + ext.R. McComb mccomrw@d11.org 328-5095 x65070 N. Poese, Chair poesenm@d11.org 328-5175 x 65155 E. Rossi rossiec@d11.org 328-5052 x 65133 R. Teschner teschrw@d11.org 328-5092 x 65040