module specification

The module is an introduction to digital media as an area of practice. It is a practice-based module with most activities and teaching set in a studio environment, providing students with introductory knowledge and skills to effectively analyse and produce digital artefacts using InDesign, Photoshop and other relevant industry-standard software.
It allows students to develop an understanding and skill-set needed for further exploration of the wider context of digital media production but also to apply key ideas in their own related work.

It will also look at AI, and its impact – including advantages and disadvantages - on the creative process.

This module aims to:

∙Introduce students to digital media culture, how it has progressed through the ages, and its importance in the current media world.

∙Encourage the development of critical and analytical skills through the exploration of digital practice

∙Aid the development of digital production skills through practical workshops and assessments

∙Prepare students for the practical study of related courses at Level 4, including Digital Media, Journalism and more.

This module will be delivered by a variety of teaching strategies, putting emphasis on student-centred learning in a studio environment. Teaching will involve a combination of modes, including short lectures, computer workshops, tutorials, assisted reading sessions and study of specially prepared online resources.

Discussions, analysis and presentations will also be included. Comprehensive, specially designed, online up-to-date support resources will be made available on VLE and updated weekly. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities, facilitate formative assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials. This module will also include guest speakers and relevant site visits.

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students.

The learning and teaching strategy in this module combines

Lectures
Seminars
Individual coursework
Blended learning through the Virtual Learning Environments

Feedback is provided after coursework in written form on WebLearn, by email or in person

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of digital media practice and culture (LO1).

2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the context of digital artefacts. (LO2)

3. Create digital artefacts following set briefs. (LO3)

4.  Reflect on and evaluate critically their own performance and abilities. (LO4)

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