MDIA 2217 - Digital Production III

Tea Tree Gully - Semester 2 - 2015

The digital production environment may include sectors such as graphic design studios, print shops, finished art studios, web design studios, or the magazine and digital publishing industry. Individuals working in this environment require skills in computer applications; design techniques for print and web; finished art processes; designing and construction of web sites; creating digital publications for iPads and other media devices; magazine and book creation; as well as the production of personalised print campaigns. This course extends the skills and knowledge related to web design and construction to include the creation of websites for varying digital devices including mobile phones and tablets. Furthermore, students learn how to create a personalised print campaign using variable data software.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 2217
    Course Digital Production III
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Tea Tree Gully
    Units 6
    Contact 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Successful completion of MDIA 2216 Digital Production II
    Incompatible Not available to students who have entered BMedia program via TAFE articulation
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with basic computer graphic applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro
    Restrictions Available to BMedia students only
    Quota A quota of 17 applies
    Course Description The digital production environment may include sectors such as graphic design studios, print shops, finished art studios, web design studios, or the magazine and digital publishing industry. Individuals working in this environment require skills in computer applications; design techniques for print and web; finished art processes; designing and construction of web sites; creating digital publications for iPads and other media devices; magazine and book creation; as well as the production of personalised print campaigns.
    This course extends the skills and knowledge related to web design and construction to include the creation of websites for varying digital devices including mobile phones and tablets. Furthermore, students learn how to create a personalised print campaign using variable data software.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Kathryn Bowd

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Week Topic/s Learning/Assessment Activities 

    1: Responsive Web Design Web Hosting Blogging Adaptive Layout Tutorial Blog Proposal Setting up a hosting account  

    2: Responsive Web Design (continued) Wordpress Wordpress SEO Plugin Google Analytics Web Re-Design: Wireframes/Visuals Creating own Blog Test Blog Activity Blog Post 1 

    3: Responsive Web Design (continued) Contact Forms Responsive Menus Web Re-Design: HTML/CSS Build Blog Post 2  

    4: Responsive Web Design (continued) Uploading a site to a Web Host Assessment 1: mood board Blog Post 3  

    5: Responsive Web Design (continued) Assessment 1: Wireframes/Visuals Blog Post 4

    6: Responsive Web Design (continued) Assessment 1: HTML/CSS Build Blog Post 5

    7: Responsive Web Design (continued) Assessment 1: HTML/CSS Build Blog Post 6

    8: Responsive Web Design (continued) Assessment 1: Due at end of class Blog Post 7

    Mid-semester break 22nd September to 3rd October

    9: WordPress Themes Child Themes Creating a child Theme Blog Post 8

    10: WordPress Theming Assessment 2: Visuals Blog Post 9

    11: WordPress Theming Assessment 2: Creating Child Theme Blog Post 10

    12: Conclusion and Revision Assessment 2 Due Complete Assessment 
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Understand the principles of adaptive web design

    2. Use complex CSS to create fluid and adaptive websites

    3. Create, style, moderate and analyse the success of a blog

    4. Use appropriate technologies for blogging, print layouts and adaptive web construction

    5. Demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task, from a variety of information sources
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1 -4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1 - 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students are required to extensively use the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator) throughout this course. The software and a computer workstation are provided to each student during the scheduled workshop sessions. Additionally, students may access unused computer workstations within the Creative Industries Centre from Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm and Fri 7am-5pm. Additionally, regular internet access is required due to the online content used throughout the subject.
    Recommended Resources
    It is highly recommended that, students have access to their own computer workstation and the Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe offers software student discounts and details can be found at: http://www.adobe.com/au/products/creativecloud.html
    Online Learning
    This course makes extensive use of TAFE SA Learn.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Workshop classes are held each week at the Creative Industries Centre, TAFE SA. These compulsory sessions facilitate student learning through lectures, demonstrations, tutorials and group based activities. Readings, tutorials, web links, forum discussions, quizzes and other resources are provided via TAFE SA Learn.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assists students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:
    • On-campus Workshop: 6 hours per week
    • Self-Directed Study (Tutorials, Quizzes, Readings and Assessment Tasks): 12 hours per week

    Note that these are expectations of the approximate amount of time required in an average week to complete all elements of the course successfully. Actual workload is likely to vary depending on individual learning rates and assessment deadlines.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Required Resources and Learning Activities:
    All course resources and learning activities can be accessed via TAFE SA Learn. It is essential that you read/complete these resources/activities as directed to ensure successful completion of the assessment tasks.

    Week 1: Topics: Responsive web design and blogging. During the first week of study you will be introduced to the concept of responsive web design for mobile devices. Additionally, the concept of blogging will also be explored and you will create a proposal for your own blog as part of assessment task two.

    Week 2: Topics: Responsive web design (continued) and Wordpress. This week you undertake a learning project in regards to responsive web design, which consists of re-designing an existing site. Additionally, the topic of WordPress will be introduced and you will create your own blog and publish your first post. Furthermore, an SEO plugin and Google Analytics will be applied to your blog. Please note: You are required to publish your first blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 3: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will continue to build your first responsive website. In addition, you will learn learn how to setup a contact form and responsive menus. Please note: You are required to publish your second blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 4: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will begin assessment task one by undertaking the initial stages of the design phase by creating a mood board. Additionally, you will upload the responsive site you have built over the past two weeks to a web hosting account. Please note: You are required to publish your third blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 5: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will work on assessment task one by continuing the design phase by creating wireframes and visuals. Please note: You are required to publish your fourth blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 6: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will continue with assessment task one by starting the build phase using HTML and CSS. Please note: You are required to publish your fifth blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 7: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will work on assessment task one by continuing the build phase using HTML and CSS. Please note: You are required to publish your sixth blog post as part of assessment task two. Required Resources: • Refer to previous weeks

    Week 8: Topic: Responsive web design (continued) This week you will complete assessment task one. Please note: You are required to publish your seventh blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 9: Topics: WordPress Theming The WordPress theming system is extremely powerful and provides many options in regards to the look of your blog. This week you will learn how to create a child theme in order to developed your own customised design. Please note: You are required to publish your eighth blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 10: Topics: WordPress Theming This week you will create the design visuals as part of assessment task two. Please note: You are required to publish your ninth blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 11: Topics: WordPress Theming This week you will create a child theme as part of assessment task two. Please note: You are required to publish your final blog post as part of assessment task two. 

    Week 12: Topics: Conclusion and Revision In this final week we will review the critical theories and techniques learnt throughout the subject. Additionally, this class will also provide the opportunity to gain lecturer support in completing the final assessment task.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    In order to pass this subject you must successfully complete two assessment tasks:

    • Assessment 1: Responsive Web Design.  

    • Assessment 2: Blog.

    Detailed assessment outlines and marking guides are provided via TAFE SA Learn. Additionally, both assessments will be discussed in detail during the workshop sessions.
    Assessment Detail
    ASSESSMENT 1: Responsive Web Design You are to design and construct a website for a new restaurant opening in Adelaide. From the resource section of the main course page, download a client interview transcript (this provides details regarding the proposed site) and a number of other associated files including a logo and text. Specified Criteria • The site is to be a fully responsive so it adapts to all screen widths including mobile devices. • You must source imagery for the site.

    Conditions of Assessment •
     • In order to pass this assessment you must successfully complete the given project by meeting all the performance specifications in accordance with the Marking Guide. • If these criteria are not met you must consult with your lecturer who will outline what is required to complete and obtain a pass. • Level of assistance: Limited. Lecturers can give advice, however students must utilise the skills and resources gained from previous subject tutorials.

    ASSESSMENT 2: Blog. You are to create, style, moderate and analyse the success of a blog using the WordPress framework. This assessment will require you to undertake weekly tasks throughout the entire length of the course. Specified Criteria • The blogging platform must be Wordpress with the inclusion of a SEO plugin. •  A 300 word summary is to be written that outlines the amount of traffic growth, traffic sources, audience behaviour, acquisition statistics and any other relevant findings. You may include screenshots from the analytics page. • A child-theme must be created in order to develop your own customised design. 

     Conditions of Assessment
     • In order to pass this assessment you must successfully complete the given project by meeting all the performance specifications in accordance with the Marking Guide. • If these criteria are not met you must consult with your lecturer who will outline what is required to complete and obtain a pass. • Level of assistance: Limited. Lecturers can give advice, however students must utilise the skills and resources gained from previous subject tutorials. 
    Submission
    Assessments are submitted via the Creative Industries Submission Drive and TAFE SA Learn. Please note: the Submission Drive can only be accessed on-campus at the Creative Industries Centre, TAFE SA.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    RP Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    GS8 (Grading Scheme)

    Grade       Description 

    NGP          Non Graded Pass
    FNS          Fail No Submission
    F              Fail

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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