Overview

Digital communications are just what they sound like: communications performed with and by digital technology. Multimedia developers and managers use digital communications methods to create any variety of entertainment, graphic design, and artistic productions.


If you major in this field, you’ll learn the fundamentals of digital communication, including computer programming, teleprocessing, graphic design, photography, and audio and video production. You’ll learn how to build websites and create 3D animation. You’ll learn about CD-ROM production and computer imaging. All of these methods of digital communication together constitute the “multi” nature of “multimedia.” You’ll also learn about the laws and regulations in place for digital communications, and what our role is in the development and use of new technologies.


Multimedia, as you probably know, is a rapidly expanding field. Been to a museum lately? Then you’ve probably seen video installations and interactive works of art. Heard about e-books? A hardcover paper volume isn’t the only way to publish or read novels anymore. Multimedia is evident on websites that involve animation and virtual reality, photography, and audio. The field is new, exciting, and evolving; and it’s nearly impossible to define or set bounds for it because your major in digital communications and media/multimedia will be largely defined by your own ideas and experiments.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM

  • CD-ROM Production

  • Computer Applications: Access, SQL, JavaScript, .ASP, XML, etc.

  • Computer Literacy and Productivity

  • Computer-Aided Graphic Arts

  • Digital Illustration

  • Information Architecture

  • Internet and Electronic Commerce

  • Multimedia Design

  • Visual Design

  • Web Programming

  • Web Publishing

  • Website Construction and Design


HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION

Learning as much as you can about computers is your most pertinent preparation. Application software, programming, the Internet—being versed to some degree in all these areas will only help you once you begin your studies in college. Strong logical, reading, writing, and communication skills are also vital to these fields, so take advantage of your school’s humanities courses. Also, any art classes you can fit into your schedule will be helpful—everyone in multimedia, even a programmer, is involved in some way with design.