Developed in direct response to applicant and employer demand, Algonquin College’s Interactive Multimedia Developer program teaches electronic communication and packaging of emerging technologies.
- Ontario College Diploma
- 2 Years
- Program Code:
- 6149X01FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is designed to prepare students for careers as interactive multimedia developers in web and CD-ROM/DVD-ROM development. Today, many businesses and organizations want to communicate information through the Internet, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, kiosks, computer displays, digital signage and other digital equipment.
Strong emphasis is placed on developing the hands-on component which is offered through courses in web development, digital imaging, authoring, animation, photography and video. The program covers the primary elements of multimedia planning and development and equal importance is given to the creative and the technical aspects. Students also complete individual and team-based multimedia projects.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are highly adaptable to today's technology.
- Are imaginative and enjoy solving problems.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the multimedia industry.
- Enjoy working on projects in a team-based environment.
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Your Career
Interactive multimedia developers may be employed in a wide variety of positions which include animator, art director, audio and/or video technician, e-commerce developer, executive producer, graphic designer or artist, interactive designer, interface designer, Internet coder or programmer, Internet designer or developer, lingo or director programmer, multimedia designer or developer, multimedia manager, multimedia author or editor or writer, multimedia systems analyst, new media designer or developer or author or programmer, project manager, production assistant, production coordinator, production director, programmer, technical project lead, video or web producer, web designer or developer.
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ENL1813M | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| MTM4003 | Design and Authoring I Students are introduced to basic digital animation with a focus on the creation of animated elements suitable for integration with the web, video and rich interactive interfaces. An introduction to interactivity using a scripting language to enhance and create visual effects is included. | 60.0 |
| MTM4005 | Audio and VIdeo Students learn how to use production tools to create the audio and video components of multimedia projects. Students also learn about the required hardware and software for creating and editing digital audio and video and to synchronize them with each other and the rest of the production. | 45.0 |
| MTM4006 | Web Authoring and Design Students learn the components of effective web design and authoring. Students learn writing and design principles for the web, which are applied with industry standard web editing software. Students learn what makes a web page/site effective and how the web differs from other media. Students recognize and correct common design mistakes and how to organize material for the web while adhering to W3C standards. In addition, the use of visual editors, HTML/XHTML and the basics of CSS are covered. | 45.0 |
| MTM4014 | Soundscapes for Multimedia Student learn to work with and create sound for interactive multimedia presentations. The importance of using quality digital audio in multimedia productions is taught. Starting with the capture of audio, students work with a variety of software packages to edit and mix sound tracks. The specific needs of presentation and video soundtracks are covered. Topics such as microphone techniques, recording and production, dubbing, narration, noise reduction, compression, audio enhancement, encoding audio for the Web, sound F/X and the creation of music loops are covered. | 45.0 |
| MTM4041 | Dslr Photography I Students learn the history, art and science of photography. They also learn from a photojournalism point-of-view. The historical context of photography is integral to students' gaining an understanding of photography in the world of multimedia. Students complete assignments and projects that use the history of the medium, apply ethical standards to photographs and use current Canadian laws applicable to photography. Ultimately, students understand the role of modern photographers and photography in electronic communication. | 45.0 |
| MTM4049 | Graphics and Imaging Students learn to use raster and vector imaging tools to create and manipulate the various visual components of a multimedia project. Focus is placed on imaging for a variety of digital screens. | 30.0 |
| MTM4055 | Multimedia and Design Practical methods to create, organize and display information effectively to target audiences are introduced. Students analyze current, and past practices to understand that the meaning of information is dependent on audience, technology, culture and time. Using this knowledge, students create static, animated, and interactive user-centered visual designs using both type and graphics. A wide variety of visual information forms is covered such as charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, instructions and signs. Presentations prepared using a variety of digital and non-digital tools are an integral part of the learning process. | 30.0 |
| MTM4056 | Information Design An introduction to the organization of the information flow needed for both the creation and presentation of any multimedia project. On the creation side, the focus is on the planning process using widely-used tools, such as creative briefs, personas, content and site maps, wire frames and prototypes. Students learn to recognize the value of content with particular attention to the written word by ensuring it is well-organized, properly-formatted, grammar-correct and audience-appropriate. The use of info graphics to enhance the understanding of textual information is also part of this process. Students use analysis of information examples to inform and create their own information flows. A variety of planning and organizational tools and techniques are taught. The goal is to enable students to design informational systems that facilitate the efficient and accurate retrieval of information. | 30.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| MTM4010 | Design and Authoring II Students work in teams to create a variety of multimedia products. This includes an introduction to the process of project planning to guide the production process. This process includes the use of planning tools, such as creative briefs, concept mapping, storyboards, wire framing, and prototyping to ensure that the production process is successful in matching the resulting product to appropriate use, platform and audience. The production stage combines the use of cross-course skills to create the content and interface of the final interactive product. Rich media, such as audio, video and animation is emphasized. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 45.0 |
| MTM4011 | Rich Media Applications The use of an authoring tool, such as Adobe Flash to combine animation with interactivity to create a variety of useful rich media experiences is covered. Techniques, such as interactive video, external media loading and dynamic asset creation are used to build components, such as ad banners, photo galleries, video players, audio controls and RSS readers. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 45.0 |
| MTM4012 | Web Publishing Skills learned in web design are enhanced to give students more advanced experience creating, structuring and organizing web-based information. An awareness of the need to display content in a clear and effective manner forms the foundation for the design and production process at all stages. Students create websites with an eye toward both usability and aesthetic principles. There is a strong emphasis on the effective use of typography for the web. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 45.0 |
| MTM4013 | Motion Graphics Enabling students to use professional video editing tools and applications capable of capturing and outputting video and audio in a variety of formats is the goal of this course. Emphasis is on special effects. Working in teams, and as individuals, with instructors, students plan, write and produce a major interactive multimedia product. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 45.0 |
| MTM4015 | Dynamic Scripting for the Browser Students gain an understanding of the W3C's Document Object Model (DOM) for the browser. Students learn DOM scripting using HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS and JavaScript to create industry standard browser-independent web documents. Students are prepared to adapt successfully to a future of changing web standards. The course serves as a strong foundation for later web scripting courses. Learning is reinforced by practical assignments which present real-world problems. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 60.0 |
| MTM4016 | Dslr Photography II Students evolve their photography skills through labs, lectures, workshops and hands-on practice. Students learn QTVR (Quick Time Virtual Reality), or similar software, to gain hands-on skills in creating hotspots on panoramas and objects, industry-standard multimedia authoring environments. Prerequisites: MTM4041 | 45.0 |
| MTM4035 | Multimedia and Design II Students evolve their graphic designs to include bitmap and vector graphics programs and interface design to create advanced level graphics and visuals. Colour and graphics theory, construction, content development and interactivity are core components. Prerequisites: MTM4003 and MTM4005 and MTM4006 and MTM4049 and MTM4055 and MTM4056 | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED6149 | General Education Elective For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses which cover the following broad topic areas: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5008 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS2000 or LIB1982 or PSI1702 or SOC2003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| MTM4024 | Compositing and Motion Graphics Compositing and advanced special effects are used to enhance digital video. Compositing, 3D elements, motion graphics and a variety of special effects are used to create high-impact, attention grabbing sequences for multimedia productions. This is a project driven class: working individually or in groups, students create complex projects to meet challenging deadlines. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4040 | Social and Personal Issues of Technology Computing technology is now embedded in all aspects of life from education to warfare. The constant evolution of this technology presents major challenges to society and impacts upon individuals both personally and professionally. Using case studies and discussion topics drawn from life examples, students examine the social, legal, and ethical challenges they face both as citizens and as professionals. A wide range of issues, such as media convergence, digital entertainment, privacy and censorship, cyberspace relationships, online crime and social media are examined. | 45.0 |
| MTM4048 | Content Management Content Management Systems (CMS) are commonly used to build and maintain larger websites. Students learn to use the web-based interfaces of industry standard open source CMS's to create, organize and maintain websites. Students are prepared to be able to fit immediately into the workflow of organizations that use CMS's as a standard. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4050 | Interactive Branding and Communication Students learn their role as interactive multimedia specialists in delivering powerful branded marketing messages to their target audiences. The basics of branding and marketing communication inform their existing skill sets to create interactive promotions that are strongly branded and targeted. Students work as individuals and in small teams to create a unified branded experience utilizing such media as banner ads, micro-sites, printed collateral, branded applications and viral videos. The role of social media as a supporting element is also examined. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4057 | Dynamic Scripting for the Server Students build on their knowledge of client-side technologies, such as XHTML, CSS and JavaScript in an exploration of server-side technologies to create more advanced browser functionality. A server-side scripting language and a database are used for implementation. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4058 | Clients, Contracts and Projects Teams plan and control multimedia projects in the context of a small multimedia studio. Students learn and document a process of production using milestones to measure their progress from the initial RFP to the final post-mortem. Business awareness including branding and promotion is part of the process at every stage. Two major projects are created and implemented including the creation of a studio website and a major client project. Business and marketing principles are put into active practice and related to the management of both projects to ensure the alignment of project goals with business objectives. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 60.0 |
| Elective: choose 2 | Hours | |
| MTM4021 | 3D A survey of modelling, rendering and animation techniques is presented. Concepts covered include photorealistic image synthesis, and modeling of natural objects and phenomena. Issues of detail and scale are also covered through examples. Students learn Industry-standard software, such as Maya or 3D Studio Max. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4022 | Web Services Web 2.0 websites provide users with responsive dynamic interfaces that mimic more traditional desktop applications. Students use open source web application frameworks to develop these dynamic websites. This includes techniques, such as Ajax and the use of a variety of open source scripting libraries to rapidly construct interactive web applications. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4044 | Rich Internet Applications Students create web applications using Rich Internet Application (RIA) framework, such as Flash. Students learn to deliver a rich user experience with greater interactivity and performance than traditional web pages. Best practices are followed to solve common usability issues and to create superior user experiences. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| MTM4045 | Video Production Students learn the entire video production workflow with a special focus on the pre-production and production phases. This includes storyboarding, scripting, preparing the location, getting the shot, capturing clean audio and using lighting to enhance the scene. Single camera and multi-camera setups are used. Use of industry-standard equipment, such as reflectors, stabilizers, dollys and cranes are taught. While this course utilizes already aquired post-production skills this is not primarily a software-oriented course. Prerequisites: MTM4010 and MTM4011 and MTM4012 and MTM4013 and MTM4015 and MTM4035 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| ENL2024 | Professional Communication for Interactive Multimedia Developer Students gain the communication skills needed to succeed in the multimedia industry. A combination of verbal and written communication exercises develop relevant skills, which include writing and replying to inquiries and requests, preparing letters and reports, and researching and presenting proposals. An emphasis is placed on preparing materials suitable for electronic transmission. In conjunction with a portfolio, students have opportunities to present themselves in a professional manner. Prerequisites: ENL1813M | 27.0 |
| MTM4042 | Field Work Students participate in an internship or project, in a professional setting. This offers students real-world experience with companies producing or specializing in multimedia-related materials. All students are eligible for a multimedia project. Students with a B+ average have an opportunity for field work experience. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 Co-requisites: MTM4059 and MTM4080 | 150.0 |
| MTM4059 | Project Development Lab Students produce at least one culminating project demonstrating the ability to synthesize acquired theory and software skills. Students work as individuals or in teams to plan and execute a major client project. Students combine their creative, technical and soft skills by working with clients to create functional designs that meet the needs of those clients. A presentation of the final work is a requirement to complete this course. A variety of planning documents is produced to support the project lifecycle. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 Co-requisites: MTM4080 | 36.0 |
| MTM4080 | Portfolio Development Everything in this course is geared toward getting the student employed. Students refine their portfolio of work so that it is an effective display of their abilities. The development of a personal portfolio is to give students confidence in presenting their work to a variety of potential clients and employers. Students are provided one-on-one and class support to help polish and produce the portfolio, which showcases how they handle a variety of media and a variety of clients. Students develop a strong support structure designed to ensure transition from student to working professional. Submission of a non-returnable portfolio is required for this course. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 Co-requisites: MTM4059 | 27.0 |
| MTM4085 | Web Media The creation, development, and presentation of content on the web using a variety of media channels, such as blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, Wiki's, social media and online worlds are examined. This course focuses on content from conception to delivery. Students develop an appreciation for the primacy of content in the process. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 27.0 |
| Elective: choose 3 | Hours | |
| MTM4029 | 3D Animation Students increase their knowledge of modelling, animation, lighting and special effects. Students create and apply textures to 3D objects to create digitally realistic objects and scenes. Animation techniques are further refined to allow a greater range of expression. Short animated clips are created for incorporation into a variety of multimedia environments. Prerequisites: MTM4021 | 36.0 |
| MTM4051 | Accessibility and Usability This course covers usability and accessibility for interactive multimedia such as websites and mobile devices. Students research and compare various accessibility and usability standards. This includes the Canadian Government's Common Look and Feel (CLF). The general legal requirements for supporting accessibility are also covered. Students learn a design process that is supported by the creation of written documentation such as analysis reports and design process documents. At various stages of the design process, students are expected to present their work. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 36.0 |
| MTM4052 | Motion Graphics Project Students concentrate on a culminating motion graphics project which demonstrates the totality of their learning and creativity. The primary intent is to produce a portfolio quality work. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 36.0 |
| MTM4053 | Mobile Web Development Students transfer their existing knowledge in web development to the conceptualization and creation of intuitive user experiences for mobile devices. Responsive web design is taught as the means to deliver appropriate user experiences across a range of mobile devices. This course serves as a foundation for graduates to continue learning about this quickly evolving field. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4022 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 36.0 |
| MTM4054 | Multimedia Technology I Students are exposed to a multimedia technology not covered in other courses or an already known technology is taught with greater breath and/or depth. Topics vary from year-to-year. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 36.0 |
| MTM4086 | Rich Internet Services Students build upon their knowledge of server and browser-based scripting to rapidly create database-driven web applications. This process is aided by the use of web application frameworks. A web application is created as the final project. Prerequisites: MTM4015 and MTM4022 and MTM4024 and MTM4048 and MTM4050 and MTM4058 | 36.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $1,460.13 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,453.14 per term in Levels 03 and 04.
Incidental Fees: $275 in Level 01 and $100 in Levels 02 and 03 and $75 in Level 04.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,100 in the first year and $1,400 in the second year, and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. A suitably equipped PC at home would be an asset, as would Internet access. In the first year, students are required to purchase a dSLR camera and a storage device at an approximate cost of $1,500. In the second term, students are required to purchase a Flash.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
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Additional Information
Students with a B+ average are guaranteed a field work position.
For more information, please contact John Kozodoj, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 5801 or kozodoj@algonquincollege.com.
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Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time