Unit Description The unit provides the student with the opportunity to explore and utilize a variety of communication methods, both active and passive, employed via the Internet (for example, email, 'chat', and video conferencing). It encourages academic debate around the implications in social terms of the Internet as a communication media, and as a means of building community. The unit examines non-linearity in relationship to hypertexts and hypermedia. It explores the concept of designing for the web in terms of cross-platform, cross browser, browser oriented, user controlled, audience-related design. The student will use the Internet to examine a range of communications methods, and explore these both in practical and discursive terms. orking as part of a small group, they will then use these methods as a research and communication tools as part of producing content for the production of a series of web pages, which will form part of a 'community' web site for themselves and their peers. Syllabus Learning Outcomes On completion of this unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate an understanding of the Internet as a communication media, and as a means of building community, Teaching and Learning Methods This unit is studio based, with an emphasis on responsive, student-centred experiential learning (including peer group learning). - A range of teaching and learning methods are utilised, as identified below. Workshops will provide the technical skills necessary for the student to participate in a variety of Internet-based communications, and to embark on the production of an interactive web site. - The production and submission of the group work consisting of a series of web page and project log; and a personal statement detailing individual contribution to group (weighting 100%). Assessment Assessment criteria include: - Quality of research; understanding of communication” and community”; navigation, structure and 'usability'; effective group working; progress; and the technical learning and effectiveness. Indicative Reading Students will be expected to engage fully in on-line research activities, facilitated through the digital environment that supports Interactive Multimedia (at www.newmediahull.net). Barratt, N, The State of the Cybernation, Kogan Pale, 1996 |