Basic assumptions & requirements

Students commencing this course are assumed to be able to meet the following requirements:

Convenient and continuing access to a multimedia capable computer with Internet connection.
Fluency in the use of common applications such as word processor, web browser, electronic mail client and simple graphics tools on the computer you will be using for this course.
Knowledge of basic techniques for web page creation and publishing equivalent to that which should be gained through satisfactory completion of FET5621 Introduction to Web Publishing.
Willingness to spend 8 to 10 hours per week on the reading and activities associated with the course.
Commitment to meeting agreed deadlines for submission of work as indicated in the course schedule.
Commitment to communication by checking the announcements and discussion areas at least weekly and advising the lecturer promptly if submission of work may be slightly delayed for any reason.

If you are not confident about any one or more of the above you should be prepared to spend additional time and effort in studying this course. Alternatively you might consider deferring study in this course until you can meet the requirements, either through study of another course or otherwise.

Web server space

All assignments will be submitted as web pages published on an appropriate server. Once the page is published its location will be notified to the course staff by submitting the URL.

Students will require access to server space where they can publish their assignment submissions.

Required software

It is not possible to create interactive multimedia without access to a variety of software.

Some students may already have access to a range of appropriate software. Others may be ready to purchase software as required. It is likely that the majority will have neither all of the necessary software nor unlimited funds to purchase software.

In deference to this reality, the activities have been designed around the use of software which is either free or, whether commercial or shareware, legitimately available for trial purposes. Some of the trial software (notably Macromedia Fireworks and Macromedia Flash - now published by Adobe) required for activities in Modules 3 and 4 will work for a maximum of 30 days before becoming inoperable on the computer where it has been installed. The 30 days will be sufficient to complete the required activities. Students who intend using this trial software should be careful not to install and activate it until they are ready to undertake the relevant work within a 30 day period.

The Macromedia software is available for download from their web site but the files are large and may cause difficulties if you have limited bandwidth available. Macromedia also produce a CD-ROM which has trial versions of most of their software. You can obtain that by contacting them directly or it may be available from a dealer. Occasionally the free CD-ROMs distributed with magazines may include trial versions of useful software including the Macromedia programs. You will need the first of the Macromedia programs or an equivalent from around week 5 or 6 so plan to obtain it before then.

If you decide to buy software, do your homework first. Macromedia, and other publishers, often have bundle deals for two or more packages which include substantial savings. They also offer significant price breaks in the education market. Check around before parting with your money.

The resources area includes links to sites where you can locate software.

Issues related to the course content and assessment

Check any announcements for the course and the relevant Discussion Boards. Notices to students will be posted in these locations. If you have a question for which you can find no ready answer, ask in the Discussion Board. Another student may have an answer and almost certainly others will be interested in any response provided by the course staff.