The Future of Books: A Multimedia Opportunity

Students,

Check out this fascinating article from Fast Company magazine on Amazon, Apple, and the possible future of books. As we begin to consider content and delivery methods in multimedia, the evolving landscape will be shaped by innovative companies like Amazon and Apple. For instance:

• "Publishers could team with authors and multimedia producers to forge a new channel for dynamic e-books that go far beyond linear prose; they may provide a blend of text, video, audio interviews, 3-D maps -- an entire ecosystem of content built on top of the book. For Twilight, the teen-vampire novel by Stephenie Meyer, the multimedia might consist of a video game within the book, mini bios of characters, maps, music, and discussion threads. An interactive element would allow readers to create their own stories, or even their own animated short movies, using the characters in the book. Inevitably, the experience would also include links to products based on the game: T-shirts, action figures, vampire toothbrushes. Suddenly, a book with mere words on a page seems so limited. And not just books. Magazines and newspapers too."

Read the article here. It's a good time to be in multimedia.

~mrc

Weekend Reading

I read two interesting articles from Fast Company magazine over the weekend of interest to this class. Check out Tyler Cowen's article on "Creating your own economy" at:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/137/create-your-own-economy.html

And also the interview with Terminator Salvation director McG, and his predictions for media in the next 36 months at:

http://www.fastcompany.com/terminator

In a nutshell: "Thirty-six months, predicts Terminator director McG: By then, any content you want will be available on your choice of screens, from the one in your pocket to the 100-foot-long version at your local multiplex."

Looking forward to your presentations Monday night.

~mrc

Homework Due Monday 8/31

Multimedia-ists!

Don't forget your homework due Monday, 8/31:

In 10 slides or less design a presentation on "How To Change A Lightbulb." Use whatever slideware you're comfy with (and that's available to you); Powerpoint is common on most PCs, while Keynote is its equivalent on the Apple side, and there's the free browser-based Google Docs. Feel free to use the computer stations at the SVHEC, though the Earp Lab Macs are not always available.

Remember, there is no single "right" answer for this assignment. Don't be intimidated, and consider focusing on a few key things:

1. Be clear
2. Be interesting
3. Be effective

We want to see how you put together a presentation now, because it's likely to be very different from how you will put one together after you've completed this class. So come Monday prepared to present and discuss. 'Can't wait to see 'em!

~mrc

Additional Apple Resources

We realize that virtually everyone in the class is new to the Apple Macintosh Operating system. To help you along then, when neither Mr. McGhee nor myself are available, you can always Google your question (we are big fans of this technique) or you could check out the TONS of information that's available from the Apple support pages.

There are LOADS of short videos and tutorials there to help you figure things out, covering everything from basics for "switchers" to in-depth coverage of specific apps like the iLife suite. So explore and learn something new!

~mrc

Failure and Technology

Wow!

I saw Henry Jenkins speak at Princeton last summer for a conference and he was SUPER engaging. His comments here are particularly relevant to our emphasis on technology, trial-and-error learning, and digital literacy.

I recommend this short video to each of you. Does he suggest things you'd like for us to incorporate into this class? How? Let me know what you think by posting in the comments!

~mrc

* For those who worry about these things, this is NOT a graded assignment; it is purely for your own edification.

Welcome

Welcome to ART 130: Introduction to Multimedia!

This class is taught by Terry McGhee and myself, Ben Capozzi, and it is our first time offering this class at the SVHEC. We are delighted that you are part of our inaugural semester.

Our aim for this class is to help you establish a baseline of digital literacy, from moving files to publishing online, producing audio and video to taking better photographs, and bundling it all together into superior and effective presentations.

For more details, check out the course syllabus link at the top right of this page, and come to the first day of class, Monday August 24th at 630PM in the Earp Lab. We look forward to seeing you there, and to making outstanding multimedia portfolio items this semester!

~mrc