Aims

Student who take this module will be taught a range of up-to-date tools for creating digital media, content and interactive experiences.

No prior experience is required. The tools used are "no code" or "low code" (i.e. programming not required).

Specific content may differ from year-to-year, as new tools become released. Recent examples have included machine learning (AI), interactive documentaries, video games, interactive maps, 360 degree photography, 3D scanning, infographics, and much more.

The aim of this module is to develop critical and creative skills through practice using digital tools. Students will be introduced to tools, their contexts, and be taught creative and critical approaches to using them.

Skills taught in this module include the following areas:
1.       Digital Story Telling
2.       Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)
3.       Interactivity and the Creative Web
4.       Data and Visualisation

Student who undertake this module will have the opportunity to:
- Develop confidence and ability in learning new tools and platforms as a key employable and transferable skill

- Prepare students for rapidly developing media platforms, tools and environments in contemporary work and life

- Develop critical approaches through making digital media. No prior skills are required.

- Learn scholarly, practical and creative strategies for self-supported learning and problem solving

- The module will promote the integration of theory and practice. Students will build upon and draw from concepts and theories introduced in other modules such as MCH1001 ‘Digital Cultures’ in relationship to their practical work.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is delivered as computer lab workshops. Students will work towards producing a portfolio of practical work with a 1,000 word commentary.

This module provides students with a range of practical, computer workshops sessions to learn a wide range of "off the shelf" tools for making interactive media, understanding AI and visualising data.

The workshops develop critical understanding and practical skills. These may include sessions on:
- Generative AI
- Interactive narrative & games
- Data visualisation
- 360 video and 3d scanning
- Interactive documentary and digital storytelling

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures: Lectures & workshops combined, taking place in computer labs.

Drop-in/surgery: led by technician/teaching assistant colleagues following up on lecture materials to address technical questions arising from both these and from students' own skills practice

Skills practice: students will extend their familiarity with technical teaching through the use of sign-posted tutorials and tasks set in lectures. They will develop their skills in identifying relevant literature

Portfolio preparation: Students will produce a portfolio of mini-projects responding to a brief set in workshops. Portfolios will include the creative media or output, accompanied by a critical commentary. In doing so this assessment will develop skills outcomes in project management and realisation and knowledge outcomes through their choice of approach, literature and theoretical references.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Mini projects will challenge students to complete a semi-structured task to a brief in each of our skills areas. Students will make use of tools taught in the workshops to create critical and creative responses to select assessment tasks.

The portfolio format will demand that they use their documentation skills effectively. The 1,000-word commentary may include a reflection upon the process, provide rationale for approach and decisions, explain how their work was informed by theories and concepts and how it critically responds to contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how their assessment for this module may responds to and be informed by topics and concepts introduced in other modules.

Near the beginning of the semester, students will submit evidence that they have undertaken basic preparation for the module, such as setting up access to OneDrive.