I want to share some info about a new course I taught this semester. Digital Media Survey, an entry-level course designed to be the gateway to all technology-related communication media courses. Starting in Fall 2024, this jump-start course will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the ever-evolving digital media landscape.

COMM120 is a unique opportunity for Workforce and Degree seeking students to explore various media forms and technologies, from augmented reality and virtual reality to video production, podcasting, and narrative image sequencing. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software applications like Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Unity, while also earning valuable industry-based credentials such as the IC3 Digital Literacy series.

One of the key objectives of COMM120 is to help students identify commonalities in software interfaces and learn about specific media industry differences. Students create entry-level projects across various media formats, allowing them to discover their interests and gain a clear picture of their educational journey. It is a great course for anyone wanting an overview of digital media technology or to explore new emerging media.

In a final project students are tasked with creating a mini portfolio, focusing on a specific area of media and creating a cohesive collection of related works. This could be in the form of a branding package, icon set, redesigned newsletter, product UX design, commercial product series, video series, illustrated art series, character design sheets, or augmented reality experiences.

Notable examples from this semester are the collection of postcards created by student Lea Harris and Icon set by student Olivia Russell. Inspired by cult classic horror movies, Lea researched design elements based in community branding to create works representing a sense of place. Olivia’s icon set stands out with a whimsical heartfelt vibe. Her series of symbols for communication courses is meant to be a comforting and friendly visual representation for students that may feel intimidated to take a highly conceptual or technology driven course.

We are currently developing Prior Learning Achievement (PLA) assessment for students already possessing entry level knowledge to bypass COMM120 and register directly into applied media courses in specific fields of study.