Instructions

Digital Media Specialization Paper

Purpose: By now, you should have a good understanding of the three specializations within the Digital Media and Web Technology (DMWT) major: digital design, motion graphics, and web technology. We have covered many fundamental concepts applicable within all three specializations. Based on what you have already learned, you will now perform research to identify how the general theories, practices, and technologies apply to one of the specializations.

Course Outcomes Met By This Assignment:

• Effectively apply relevant theories, practices, and principles when designing works of digital media
• Examine the different processes, career paths, and technologies in the digital media industry.

Digital Media and Web Technology Program Specializations

Are you interested in designing and building Web sites and Web applications?

The Web Technology specialization can help you achieve this goal. You will first learn techniques for designing and developing Web-front-ends with an eye towards usability and accessibility. Then, using multimedia scripting and programming, you will learn how you can add additional functionality and database connectivity.

Are you interested in creating computer graphics and publishing electronic media?

The Digital Design specialization is the best option for you. You will first learn techniques of electronic publishing. Then, using industry standard software, you will take your abilities even further as you learn image editing, illustration, and 3D modeling. You will use industry standard software throughout the specialization.

Are you interested in video editing, special effects, and creating motion graphics?

The Motion Graphics specialization is right up your alley. You will first learn techniques for integrating images, sound, video, and animation to create interactive products. Then, you will take your abilities even further as you learn how to incorporate 3D animation, special effects, and edited videos within your multimedia projects. You will use industry standard software throughout the specialization.

To Do:

Assignment

Select one of the three specializations (Web Technology, Digital Design or Motion Graphics) covered within the Digital Media and Web Technology major.

Using the UMUC library, Internet, and/or other valid, academic references, research two (2) of each of the following:

• Choose two (2) theories (Gestalt, Color, Human-Computer Interaction Behavior, Graphic Design, etc.) used in the specialization you selected. Theories are a conceptual understanding used to explain how or why something occurs.
  • Describe each theory and then relate it to how it specifically impacts the creation of digital media within chosen specialization, as opposed to only providing general content that could apply to any digital media specialization
• Choose two (2) best practices (Accessibility, Grid System, CSS, SEO, etc.) used in the specialization you selected. Best practices are the methods or techniques commonly accepted within a field that enable the production of work that is of the highest quality.
  • Describe each practice, explain why it is a best practice, and then relate it to how it specifically impacts the creation of digital media within chosen specialization, as opposed to only providing general content that could apply to any digital media specialization
• Choose two (2) technologies (this includes languages, hardware or software such as a certain kind of page layout software like Adobe InDesign, Wacom tablet, HTML5, etc) used in the specialization you selected.
  • Describe each technology, explain how it is used, and then relate it to how it specifically impacts the creation of digital media within chosen specialization, as opposed to only providing general content that could apply to any digital media specialization.

• Research must include a minimum of FIVE (5) valid, academic references. As the field of digital media is constantly changing, no reference may be older than five years.

  Note: Please DO NOT use Wikipedia or similar Web sites that allow for anyone to modify the content. These are not valid, credible, refereed, academic references.

Presentation

1. Prepare a Word document that meets the following requirements:
   • Create a cover page:
   • Your name
   • Course name and Number
   • DMWT specialization selected
   • Date of submission

1. The body of the paper should be 1000 -1250 word (4-5 pages) paper and address 2 theories, best practices and technologies for the chosen specialization
2. Create a References page, in APA format, citing all of the references used in creation of the research paper
3. The font must be 12pt Times New Roman, double spaced.
4. The paper should concisely address your research-backed opinion with as much relevant detail as possible (i.e. no fluff)
5. Paper must be submitted as a Word document, and named as:
   Example: Smith_SpecializationPaper.doc or Smith_SpecializationPaper.docx