More to multimedia than meets the eye
11 November 2004
When people think about multimedia, they instantly think web-page design.
Although web-page design and creation are the more visible components of multimedia, it is in fact only a small part of an industry that is always changing and growing larger.
By exhibiting student works at the Hume Festival, Kangan Batman TAFE aims to challenge people's ideas and perceptions that multimedia is just about webpages. On display will be examples of film that will be projected onto large screens, still images, 2D and 3D animation, concept designs, and of course dynamic webpages.
"This is the first year that the IT and Multimedia department has exhibited student work at the Hume Festival, and students and staff are very excited to have been given the opportunity to be involved in such a large event," said department Manager, Alan Penny.
At Kangan Batman when students first start a multimedia course, they quickly realise to get the most out of it, they have to work hard. "Digital media requires different training to 'traditional media' due to the level of input and time required by not only the students, but also from the teacher," said Mr Alan Penny.
"Doing a software-based course with exercise-based training is not enough. Our department strive to give the students much more than just technical skills, that's why the course is rounded out with subjects such as script writing, storyboarding, and interacting with clients," he commented.
"By the time the student graduates from the course they have a well rounded skill-set that makes them very employable. Even if a graduate doesn't find a job straight away, they are skilled enough to get a job in a production environment," said Mr Penny.
"We have courses tailored to meet peoples needs, for instance if they want to test the waters, they can start with the Certificate II course. This course is designed to introduce students to multimedia concepts and technologies," he said.
The Certificate IV in Multimedia gives the participant the basic skill-set they need to confidently generate ideas, and realise them using industry standard software.
The diploma year will enhance the student's skills by not only working on individual projects, but also on commercial based group projects.
In 2005 the department is introducing an Advanced Diploma in Multimedia, which will concentrate on computer game concepts, technology, and production.
In addition the department also runs a large number of short courses designed for people who want to either learn a specific piece of software or need to enhance the skills they currently have.
For more information contact the Information Technology and Multimedia department on 9279 2479.
