Macromedia Flash is by far, the leading internet technology for creating and viewing “multimedia rich” content on the web. Over 95% of Internet users use a Flash capable web browser - including the workstations in the LS computer labs. In this project based course, students will explore Flash’s drawing, animation and audio capabilities and build interactive content that can be shared over the internet. The course will cover:
creating graphics with Flash
animation and motion graphics
adding basic interactivity including:
dynamically changing graphics
creating triggered sound effects
navigation through different “scenes”
a basic introduction to programming with Flash’s ActionScript
Students will learn how to create interesting motion graphics. They will learn about the aesthetics of design, motion and sound. By constructing user interactive projects, students will be challenged to think in a non linear way. Students will learn to use a combination of logical reasoning (basic programming), critical thinking and artistic creativity.
This course is open to all grades and would not require any prerequisites. It targets students interested in digital media - students who are inclined towards a combination of art and technology. This course would be appropriate to be taken either before or after the Web Publishing course and would be beneficial to both courses either way. This course also is also a compliment to the Digital Imaging course.
This course meets on the regular FATA meeting format (four long blocks and one short block in a two week cycle) and is a half year 2 credit course. This course is held in the FATA Computer Lab (B240) located in the lower level of B building. Because Lincoln-Sudbury owns a school wide software license for the Macromedia Suite authoring software, any out-of-class course work can be done in any of the the school computer labs.
This class meets the graduation requirements for computer credit OR art.
This course both supplements FATA course offerings and compliments the Computer Department course offerings.
It is also a good compliment to the Digital Imaging course. Computer graphics exists in two basic forms: raster graphics (images that are manipulated digitally as dots of color) and vector graphics (images that are manipulated digitally as mathematical algorithms.) The Digital Imaging course is predominantly based on raster graphics. Macromedia Flash, on the other hand, is a vector based graphics program.
This course brings the FATA curriculum to include New Media.
Students will be given letter grades, A-F. The grades will be a combination of:
Project Grades
In-class Assignments
Attendance & promptness
Grades for projects will carry the most significant weight, with an emphasis on the student’s in-class use of time and personal conduct. In-class exercises will be weighed as quizzes.
Projects will be graded on 4 criteria:
40% Use of Time and Initiative
20% Craftsmanship, skill and Technique
20% Fulfills Objective
20% Content, Aesthetics, Creativity & Layout
Students will be provided with a grading rubric that describes the expectations for each criteria (see attached)
Because of the technical material covered in this course, it is very important that you are present for every class meeting and that you come to class on time. Enexcused ardiness will result in detentions/behavior reports.
I expect everyone to behave in a way that is conducive to being productive, and to treat each other, the teacher, the equipment and property with respect. Your conduct, participation and attendance will be weighed as part of your final grade
If you miss a class, you must make up the work on your own time outside of class, borrow notes from a classmate or view course materials on the school companion website. It is the students responsibility to make up missed work.
