Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

FIT3084 - Multimedia programming and the world wide web

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Information Technology
Offered	Clayton First semester 2010 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Alan Dorin

Synopsis

This unit introduces on-line systems and the Internet as a specific example of an on-line system. Students are exposed to the various multimedia services which are possible in this client/server paradigm. They get first-hand experience with the creation of WWW content, and the tools which are available to help in this endeavour. The unit covers graphical user interface concepts, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), principles of good design, usability testing, Web programming in a language such as Javascript, Perl, and the future outlook for on-line services. They are also exposed to the interaction of HTML and on-line databases, and other forms of interactive multimedia interfaces.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:

appropriate tools for modern web page design: Dynamic HTML, Javascript, Style Sheets;
how to program dynamic web pages via CGI scripts;
how to represent virtual spaces over the Internet using VRML/QuicktimeVR;
how to create appropriate media for visual, aural and text-based communication: animation, sound, typography, layout, colour;
cognitive models for human-computer interaction and how they may be applied to interface design;
user-centred design of electronic and physical artefacts;
user-interface design for maximising productivity and generally serving what Bernard Waits refers to as the American Ideology: the legitimation of technology as an ideology that ultimately is tied to the maximisation of societys productivity and the most economic use of its resources;
information architecture appropriate for web site development.

Developed attitudes that enable them to:

appreciate the role of the user or consumer in the design of interactive electronic systems and devices;
understand the value of developing cognitive models from a human-centred perspective in the design and evaluation of interactive devices and systems.

Developed the skills to:

design and implement an interactive website of modest complexity;
create and combine elements in a variety of media: sound, image, animation and motion graphics and interactive 3D.

Demonstrated the communication and teamwork skills necessary to:

effectively work in a small group to design and build a interactive media website;
apply critical analysis and judgement to the design and usability of interactive media works created by their peers.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 70%; In-semester assessment: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Alan Dorin

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 1 hr tutorial/wk