COMM-TECH COURSE OF STUDY
This course examines communications systems and design production processes in the areas of electronic, live, recorded, and graphic communications. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to design, use and manage a broad range of communications systems. This includes the following five areas: Print Media (Graphics and Desktop Publishing), Web Page and Web Media Design, Audio and Video Production, 3D Computer Animation, and Digital Photography. Students will also explore the impact of communications technologies on today’s society, workplace and the environment.
This class is run like a real communications company and your instructor expects nothing less than professional behaviour from all “employees." Regular attendance, punctuality and effort are essential to success in this course.
Since the main goal of the course is student development of advanced technical skills and knowledge, the majority of the course will focus on a variety of practical, hands on projects that will be completed independently and in groups. Each project will focus on specific communications technology applications and will require students to demonstrate skills development in key areas. Each project will be broken into a few major components, such as: rough work and planning, production, final project and post production.
PRACTICAL PROJECT DEADLINES:
It is expected that all students will complete course exercises and assignments within the time-frame outlined by the teacher.
Major practical assignments will feature TWO deadlines:
SOFT DEADLINE - the last day students may work on an assignment in class. Any work not completed at this deadline must be finished outside of class. Major advantage to adhering to the Soft Deadline; work submitted will be returned with a rubric, outlining possible improvements -- improved work will be accepted up to the Hard Deadline. Hard Deadline will be considered to be 1 week after "posted" due date unless otherwise specified.
HARD DEADLINE - final due date for project, which is exactly one week from the “soft” deadline (or as indicated by the instructor). Hard Deadlines, mark will "stand" and no extra time will be allotted for mark improvement, i.e., ALL marks shall be considered final at this time.
Students must take responsibility for their time management and planning. In a secondary school, a pattern of incomplete work or inconsistent attendance jeopardizes learning critical components of the course, challenging the success of a credit. A note from the parent / guardian may be required for missed deadlines. The note should indicate the reason for absence as well as an indication that they understand that the student missed an assessment.
This class is run like a real communications company and your instructor expects nothing less than professional behaviour from all “employees." Regular attendance, punctuality and effort are essential to success in this course.
Since the main goal of the course is student development of advanced technical skills and knowledge, the majority of the course will focus on a variety of practical, hands on projects that will be completed independently and in groups. Each project will focus on specific communications technology applications and will require students to demonstrate skills development in key areas. Each project will be broken into a few major components, such as: rough work and planning, production, final project and post production.
PRACTICAL PROJECT DEADLINES:
It is expected that all students will complete course exercises and assignments within the time-frame outlined by the teacher.
Major practical assignments will feature TWO deadlines:
SOFT DEADLINE - the last day students may work on an assignment in class. Any work not completed at this deadline must be finished outside of class. Major advantage to adhering to the Soft Deadline; work submitted will be returned with a rubric, outlining possible improvements -- improved work will be accepted up to the Hard Deadline. Hard Deadline will be considered to be 1 week after "posted" due date unless otherwise specified.
HARD DEADLINE - final due date for project, which is exactly one week from the “soft” deadline (or as indicated by the instructor). Hard Deadlines, mark will "stand" and no extra time will be allotted for mark improvement, i.e., ALL marks shall be considered final at this time.
Students must take responsibility for their time management and planning. In a secondary school, a pattern of incomplete work or inconsistent attendance jeopardizes learning critical components of the course, challenging the success of a credit. A note from the parent / guardian may be required for missed deadlines. The note should indicate the reason for absence as well as an indication that they understand that the student missed an assessment.
Click here for more details of the school's assessment policy in regards to late, missed assignments and plagiarism.
Thankfully, this is rarely a problem in Comm Tech.
Click here to download a copy of the Course of Study and Parent Letter.
Thankfully, this is rarely a problem in Comm Tech.
Click here to download a copy of the Course of Study and Parent Letter.
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Major Units of Study (70% of Course Mark)
Principles of Graphic and Logo Design:
Develop a strong understanding of the basic elements and principles of graphic design to help you produce a personal graphic identity you can use on all future class projects.
Web Site Design:
You will learn the fundamentals of effective web design, working with Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks to produce a personal portfolio site.
Audio Production:
Learn to create and edit an original soundtrack (music and sound effects) for a short video. You will use Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro and/or Soundbooth to complete this project.
Graphic Design:
Learn the steps involved in the design process and the elements of design to create a personal "fantasy card" project using Photoshop, Coreldraw and/or Adobe Illustrator.
Digital Imaging:
You will work with Photoshop to edit, manipulate and combine digital images to produce enhanced or composite projects.
Digital Photography:
Working with digital SLR cameras, you will learn the basics of digital photography, including shot composition, shutter speeds, exposure, depth of field, lighting, etc.
Flash Animation:
Students will work with Flash to produce a simple web photo gallery for use on their portfolio website.
3D Animation:
Work with Lightwave, 3D Studio and/or Maya 3D to complete an original animated "movie."
Video Production:
Working in a small group, you will use digital video cameras, lighting, etc. to record and produce a short, high-quality video project. You will use Adobe Premiere (and possibly After Effects and/or Audition) to complete your project.
Principles of Graphic and Logo Design:
Develop a strong understanding of the basic elements and principles of graphic design to help you produce a personal graphic identity you can use on all future class projects.
Web Site Design:
You will learn the fundamentals of effective web design, working with Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks to produce a personal portfolio site.
Audio Production:
Learn to create and edit an original soundtrack (music and sound effects) for a short video. You will use Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro and/or Soundbooth to complete this project.
Graphic Design:
Learn the steps involved in the design process and the elements of design to create a personal "fantasy card" project using Photoshop, Coreldraw and/or Adobe Illustrator.
Digital Imaging:
You will work with Photoshop to edit, manipulate and combine digital images to produce enhanced or composite projects.
Digital Photography:
Working with digital SLR cameras, you will learn the basics of digital photography, including shot composition, shutter speeds, exposure, depth of field, lighting, etc.
Flash Animation:
Students will work with Flash to produce a simple web photo gallery for use on their portfolio website.
3D Animation:
Work with Lightwave, 3D Studio and/or Maya 3D to complete an original animated "movie."
Video Production:
Working in a small group, you will use digital video cameras, lighting, etc. to record and produce a short, high-quality video project. You will use Adobe Premiere (and possibly After Effects and/or Audition) to complete your project.
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Summative (30% of Course Mark)
SUMMATIVE PORTFOLIO WEBSITE :
Following the major skills units, students will assemble a media-rich portfolio website that showcases all their work produced during the course.
Following the major skills units, students will assemble a media-rich portfolio website that showcases all their work produced during the course.
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Learning Skills and Work Habits will be assessed using the Ministry’s achievement chart categories…
Responsibility Organization Independent Work Collaboration Initiative Self-regulation |
E=Excellent G=Good S=Satisfactory N=Needs Improvement
Attentiveness, effective use of class time, meets timelines for class work, homework and assignments, manages their own behaviour.
Follows a process to meet deadlines and achieve goals, prepared for class, gathers and evaluates information from various sources to complete tasks. Independently monitors, assesses and revises plans to complete tasks, follows instructions with minimal supervision. Responds positively to the ideas and opinions of others, accepts an equitable share of work in a group, promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions, contributes to discussions. Demonstrates interest and curiosity, displays self-motivation by seeking and acting on new ideas and opportunities for learning. Seeks clarification when necessary, perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges. |
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