New Media Design and Web Development

This course is an introduction to hands-on digital photography and the image optimization processes. The course is designed to provide an emphasis on effective composition, core principles of photography and meaningful photographic contents for web, print and mobile applications. Students will learn how to plan and shoot photos; use DSLR or their own cameras; and explore techniques on lighting, optics, and image management/storage. Other topics include photo retouching, black and white photography, HDR images, panoramic photos and processing camera RAW files. Students will be assessed by a combination of group and individual projects and a final exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to the Macintosh operating system and the BCIT systems that students will be expected to comfortably use during the program. The course will introduce the students to the BCIT lab environment and policies, including network printing, file storage/retrieval and submitting requests for helpdesk support via eHelpdesk. The students will register a domain name, secure their own commercial web space and learn to operate basic web services including File transfer (FTP), email management and C-panel features. Students will be assessed by three individual assignments and a final exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course will introduce students to the foundation of front-end development, code management, and familiarize them with the basic tools of web design. Focusing on web standards as outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), students will learn to hand code HTML 5, CSS3 (Cascading Styles Sheets) to control overall hierarchy structure, functionality, layout and appearance of websites. In addition, students will learn about uploading files to a web server or host. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course focuses on effective targeted writing for new media applications. Through research, discussion and practice students will create, and prepare content in writing for cross-platform deployment: print, web and mobile. Students will explore how people read screen text in contrast to printed text, view examples of high and low-impact content, and practice adapting traditional print media to new media publications. Students will critically evaluate context, content and audiences in order to define the accuracy, relevancy and effectiveness of written communications. During the course, students will be evaluated through different means: written exam, assignments and projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers the fundamentals of graphic design workflows and techniques in visual communications. Students will learn the theory and practice of design and layout to visualize and develop problem-solving ideas and render effective content using the principles of design, typography, and colour in layouts for print and web products. Paper based documentation, as well as very basic use of Illustrator or InDesign, will be utilized to complete projects from brainstorming to final presentations. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course explores new media storytelling for personal, social and corporate branding. Students will learn about structuring effective narrative of digital media through the creation of written, video, web, and interactive projects. Storytelling techniques in video game, web design, and film will be evaluated. Students develop a critical perspective on how to engage and inspire various audiences across several platforms. The course will also prepare students with the means to choose digital media that best expresses their ideas and to create projects that are in accordance with their interests and career goals. Students will be assessed by a combination of group and individual projects, final exam and a term project.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces students to the techniques used in digital image creation, manipulation and management. Students will learn how colour is defined in digital images, the differences between Raster and Vector based graphics and techniques, how to identify the correct resolutions and pixel dimensions for different purposes, destructive versus nondestructive editing techniques, how to isolate and edit a part of an image, how to colour correct images, and the proper workflow for creating a photo based project in Photoshop and exporting the result for variant platforms.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course focuses on the legal and economic constraints associated with structuring a business in the field of new media. Topics examined include the most appropriate business entity given specific legal and tax considerations, improving negotiation skills, establishing a binding media/publishing contract, protecting intellectual property, licensing and distributing creative work, and how to apply a "hands-on" approach to problem solving, acquiring media, and the negotiating and the drafting of contracts, with special emphasis on ethics and critical thinking. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, team assignments, individual projects and written exam
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Information architecture is an extensive discipline involving the organization, labeling, navigation, and searching systems for web and interactive products that enable users to find and manage information more successfully. This foundation course addresses issues such as how web usability, user experience, and search engine optimization integrate into an effective information hierarchy. Students will construct mobile and web sitemaps, task diagrams and wireframes. A combination of lectures, in-class discussions, hands-on exercises, group work, student presentations, and tool demonstrations will be used throughout this course. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, term project, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In this course students will be introduced to mobile web interface design (websites for the small screen mobile device; tablets and cell phones). Development techniques of managing limitation and advantages of such devices will be explored, with a focus on popular mobile operating system/devices. Exploring CSS3 methods such as media queries, through to advanced frameworks will be covered. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 1190

In this course in the students will learn the basics of various social media platforms for networking and integration, how to operate them effectively to communicate and grow an audience, build social media strategies for business and portfolio development, manage social media across various platforms to work efficiently together, and measure the metrics for specific campaigns to better adjust strategy accordingly. Students will be assessed by a combination of group projects, individual assignments and final exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course engages students in new media project management, team work and freelancing. The students will learn about both the potential benefits and challenges intrinsic in new media projects in a variety of work environments. All aspects of project management and team development are examined: project assessment, negotiation, cost-estimation, planning, documentation, time tracking, meetings and presentations. Students are also introduced to skills that help them to analyze when to get legal and accounting assistance. Students are expected to complete two small new media projects using waterfall and agile systems and will also be assessed by a combination of quizzes and two group projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces students to creating vector based graphics in Adobe Illustrator. Students will learn variant tools used in creating logos, icons, page layouts, and an introduction to building UI and UX elements. Topics covered include mastering the pen tool, merging and subtracting paths, organizing objects in groups and layers, selection techniques, patterns, symbols, brushes, rendering techniques for variant interface and design style, and exporting the results for print, web or mobile purposes.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts and practices of web-based animation. Students will learn fundamental production and animation techniques, creating interactive presentations, managing timelines and site structures, importing graphics from other applications and basic scripting techniques. Students will be introduced to several web animation libraries and frameworks, after which they will be able to compare the features and shortcomings of each. Students will be assessed by a written evaluation and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course concentrates on introducing students to the fundamentals of coding, with an emphasis on JavaScript. Students will be instructed in the core principles and best practices of writing code. Students will move through the fundamentals of JavaScript to developing and extending with the JavaScript framework; jQuery. To fully understand how JavaScript works, students will be asked to write their code manually using a text editor. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 1190

The course teaches User Interface Design (UI) and User Experience (UX) as a strategic area of development for new media. This involves assessing the technical needs of an interface and the appropriate delivery platform. By understanding the power and limitations of Interface Design and User Experience tools and how to work with them, students will create prototyping systems that effectively employ colour, layout, and typography to receive user feedback. The students will learn about design methods, design process, testing and inspections of user interfaces as well as prototyping in three levels of fidelity both on paper and digitally. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 2533

In this course students will learn how to create effective videos for various purposes such as online video ads, YouTube channels, or promotional materials. The course will focus on clearly identifying the purpose behind a production, effective approaches to expressing ideas through video and audio, preparing pre-production documents, utilizing DSLR or phone cameras to shoot footage, utilizing Adobe applications to edit the videos, add sound bites to them, create music loops for the background, exporting and delivering the final result online. Student will work individually on smaller assignments and in teams to produce a final project.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MDIA 1915

This course teaches students how to express their design concepts and ideas using Adobe InDesign. Student will learn how to create page layouts and interactive media. Student will learn to navigate the program’s interface and utilize its various tools. They will also learn how to manage files, projects and assets to create a seamless workflow. Students will utilize the theory and practice of design, taught in the MDIA 1905 Graphic Design for New Media course, to render effective content using shapes, typography, and colour. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual project.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 1905

In Portfolio 1 students will compile their best work from terms 1 and 2, as well as personal work performed independently, into a targeted interactive portfolio. During the duration of this course the students will start new projects in specific disciplines to further develop their research, management, design and programming skills in a self-directed format. A personal brand, and self-promotional materials will be defined by each student to reflect their personalities and design styles. The students will be expected to present their portfolios at the end of the course. Students will be assessed by a combination of individual projects and a group peer critique.
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of all Term 1 and 2 courses

The Motion Graphics for New Media course teaches students the techniques used in creating effective motion graphics that clearly express complex ideas and leave an emotional impact. Students will import variant footage items, such as images, illustrations and videos, and animate them across time and space. Students will learn how to utilize advanced tools available for animating shape and text layers. They will also learn how to mask footage items and adjust the speed of motion using animation curves. Student will work individually and in groups in delivering variant styles of web ads and promotional videos.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 2565

This course introduces students to new technologies (e.g., Augmentative Reality, Artificial Reality, Live Streaming, 3D Printing and Image Capturing to name a few) that will change depending on new media trends and industry adoption. For this version of the course students will learn about aerial and aquatic filming and photography. This course will help first-time storytellers to explore new tools, devices and technologies to capture video, audio and still images to enhance their storytelling capabilities. Students will safely learn to fly and capture images from the air and underwater. This course will be delivered by certified BCIT instructors in compliance with City traffic by-laws and Transport Canada’s current regulations. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 1165

This course explores the new HTML5 and CSS3 standards as well as some of the peripheral technologies being put forth from the WC3. Focusing on the new semantic tags and media elements, this course will introduce students to the best practices for creating rich document structures and using advanced design patterns. This course will also focus on best practices for site development; from the planning phase to backup strategies. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 1190

This course shifts focus from client-side to server-side programming, utilizing open source tools PHP and MySQL. An introduction to PHP fundamentals and the role it plays in generating dynamic websites will be covered. Exploring the C.R.U.D. model of development, students will complete a series of documents to facilitate the management of an online database. Content Management System (CMS) methods for form creation and user input will be reviewed. Students will be evaluated by quizzes, in –class assignments and term project.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 2294

This course will introduce students to the development of applications on mobile platforms. Android will be used as a basis for exploring the design and programming techniques associated with the development of standalone applications and mobile interfaces. Students will plan and design basic apps components. Students will be assessed by a combination of lab exercises, quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course focuses on building UI elements using various design applications. Students will be introduced to the guidelines for building UI elements, utilize their knowledge in several design applications to create UI components and finally export them in the proper formats. Students will be evaluated by a series of assignments and term project.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 2540

This course is an overview of web, mobile and social media marketing. The emphasis will be on developing a cost-effective web and social media marketing campaign for small businesses. Special focus will be placed on marketing tactics and advertisement programs for mobile, web and social media. Students will develop a general awareness of diverse advertising campaigns including the understanding of storytelling, metadata, search engine promotion, on-line branding, domain names, blog monetarization, ads standards, microsites, email advertising, and trends in these fields. Students will be assessed by a combination of quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This multidisciplinary course deals with leadership, project management and entrepreneurism. In this course, students learn how to assess opportunities, develop a business concept and create a plan to put their ideas into action. This course will increase the probability of success for students who are planning to start a business, students who are in the early stages of launching a business or students who are planning to work as managers for design companies. A series of lecturer and guest speakers will present the students with guidelines for setting up and maintaining a new media design business. Students will be assessed by in-class assignments, term project and final exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course will explore the future of new media with the emergence of new technologies in print, web and mobile. Students will participate in group discussions, case studies and choose a specific field of research regarding new media leadership, or the implementation of new tools, platforms, software and hardware as it relates to new media and the general public. Students will experience a combination of fieldtrips, guess speaker discussions, and will be assessed by a combination of team and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In Portfolio 2 students will compile their best work from term 3 to be added to their initial portfolio website. During the duration of this course the students will start new projects in specific disciplines to further develop their research, management, design, and programming skills in a self-directed format. Students will have the opportunity to keep or change the portfolio site created in term three. Industry will be invited to provide feedback during the final portfolio presentations. Students will be assessed by a combination of individual projects, final portfolio and industry presentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• Successful completion of all term 3 courses.

This course will cover multiple platforms to create and launch an online store. Software reviewed will include plugins for content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, third party templates and app integration. Students will review typical components of an online store and what is required for the store to operate successfully and securely, review the configuration settings for product samples, price options, and manage shipping options. Students will be assessed by a quiz and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Focusing on PHP and MySQL, students will develop and integrate a Content Management System (CMS) into a website for inclusion in their portfolio. Students will also install and modify an industry standard off-the-shelf CMS system, such as WordPress or Drupal. Knowledge and ability to hand code HTML and CSS is required. Students will be assessed by lab exercises, quizzes, and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 3294

This course will introduce students to advanced design and development of applications on mobile platforms. Android will be used as a basis for exploring the design and programming techniques associated with the development of standalone applications and mobile interfaces. Students will implement and publish the app designed in MDIA 3295. Students will be assessed by a combination of lab exercises, quizzes, group and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• MDIA 3295

This course prepares students for writing business documentation and exploring techniques to enhance their effectiveness in finding employment and performing well in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on ethics, critical thinking, interviewing, networking and presentation skills, résumé, and cover letter writing to approach internship host organizations. Participants engage in role-playing in an interview setting to become more comfortable and professional in this environment. Students improve these essential skills to industry standards in a workshop setting that encourages self-evaluation, constructive feedback and teamwork. Students will be assessed by written assignments, interview exercises and individual projects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The Quality Assurance for Interactive Media has been engineered for students testing trials of newly-developed websites, apps or interactive media. The primary objective of this course is to detect bugs and performance issues before a new media product reaches the client or final consumer. The students will learn how to develop and run a test plan, cooperate with other team members and designers and create progress and final reports. Students will be assessed by a combination of assignments, quizzes and term project.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In preparation for their internship, new media students will participate in an integrated curriculum utilizing the theory and practice, learned in portfolio development and career preparation courses. This course introduces workplace and client-consultant scenarios with role-playing and reviews relevant to new media operations. The purpose of this course is to increase student readiness for the challenges of working with industry as employees or consultants. Students will solidify and evaluate their understanding of common practices, policies and challenges encountered in the workplace during the internship. Topics covered in this course may include business and social etiquette, professional networking, culture and relationships with co-workers, corporate and organizational culture, understanding supervisory styles under waterfall and agile-scrum, disclosing a disability, working for non-profit organizations, professionalism with technology and social media, working alone, freelancing for new media, and securing a mentor. The course concludes after internship completion with in-class review of internship experience and work completed.
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of all Term 3 courses.

The new media internship gives students access to a hands-on 300 hour work experience with an on or off-campus client or host agency. The internship is designed to empower students to complete a real-world project, while developing their professional network and portfolio. Under the direction of an adviser, students will find their own placement/assignment (in some instances, support is provided and approved by the adviser). Students are expected to earn genuine real-world experience while refining the skills and knowledge learned throughout the program and better understand the professional expectations of the position they hold during the project. Students will be assessed by their internship securement, completion of internship documentation and workplace performance provided by client or host-organization. Students are required to submit an internship weekly journal entry and meet during the last week of the term to prepare and present a reflection of their work experience.
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of all Term 4 courses.