Fall 2022
Digital Media: From Ideas to Designs and Prototypes
Bakhtiar Mikhak PhD, Co-Founder, Media Modifications, Ltd.
This is a practical design course on perspectives, tools, and methods for going from an idea for a product or service powered by a mobile and/or web application to an interactive design prototype ready for handoff to a development team. We start with brainstorming and iteratively refining the core concept for your product or service, based on which we create the brand identity along with detailed personas and stories that capture why and for whom your product or service is developed. We then translate those personas and stories into storyboards that illustrate the application's experiential flow in real-world contexts in terms of concrete visual and interaction design elements. The design and development of a component-based pattern library for creating interactive prototypes with live data is a central focus of this course. We introduce a varied, growing collection of third-party component libraries that can help give your prototypes a professional and polished quality. We create prototypes with a visual design tool that also allows creating and enhancing components with code for imagining and realizing even richer interactions and experience flows. The work in this course is based on significant use of a mix of the following tools and technologies: Notion, Milanote, and Framer (with Figma, Play, HTML, CSS, Javascript, React, Next.js, Github, and Visual Studio Code).
Fall 2022
Web Programming for Beginners with PHP
Susan Buck MPS, Web Programmer
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming via the lens of web development using PHP. We start by learning about basic programming paradigms such as data types, variables, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and more. Next, we apply these concepts to build simple web applications that involve form processing and basic database interaction. In addition to coding, students are also introduced to universal programming tools such as command line, Git version control, server management, and software testing. Emphasis is also placed on troubleshooting strategies and technical communication. While we primarily work with PHP, we address how the concepts we are working with apply to other web-capable programming languages. Additionally, we take a broad look at numerous tools and frameworks used on the web and learn about when and how each tool is most appropriate. By looking at the field as a whole, students leave this course with a big picture understanding of the many technologies used on the web, so that they can make informed decisions on what courses to take next and what tools to use in their next project.
Prerequisites: See https://hesweb.dev/e2/prereq.
Spring 2023
Exploring Digital Media
Daniel P. Coffey ALM, Senior Product Manager, Dolby Laboratories - Ian C. Sexton MA, Senior Technologist in Production, Harvard Division of Continuing Education
This is a practical, introductory course that gives a fast-paced overview of a broad range of topics related to contemporary media. The course aims to equip students with an understanding of the basics of exposure and composition which are vital for the closely related fields of digital photography and digital cinematography. Topics also include fundamental lighting techniques, video technology, video production processes with practical exercises in each stage of the workflow, audio production, and more. Beyond traditional digital media, the course also addresses the fundamentals of computer-based digital media design through software (via web development). Given the power of modern personal computers, all course topics apply to both professional production environments and personal media projects alike. By the end of the course, students can expect to understand common production workflows for a wide array of digital media including digital photography, video production, audio recording, and web design.
Spring 2023
Fundamentals of Digital Photography
Leonie Marinovich BA, Documentary Photographer
This course is aimed at students wishing to master the fundamentals of photography. It gives students the opportunity to learn photography using their digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) and acquire the skills to use manual settings and use the different shooting modes available on their cameras. Topics covered in this course include the fundamentals of exposure, composition, lighting, editing techniques, color correction, delivery for print and digital media, metadata creation, and digital workflow management. We reference classical art that has heavily influenced photography in the way that images are composed and lighted. The course is helpful to students who wish to explore digital photography as a way to document their field work and other work in progress and enhance their visual literacy, enabling them to assess images and other visual media. Students are taught Lightroom to manage their digital archives and learn to use editing techniques to enhance their images. Coursework is structured along two main components: technical mastery and aesthetic development. During the semester students are first taught the technical skills which they then apply in practical exercises to consolidate those skills. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have mastered their camera and their images should look more polished. Students have the option to create a learning portfolio to present their work.
Prerequisites: Students do not need to have previous experience as a photographer, but learning the craft also requires a commitment to mastering other associated technologies. Students need to have a digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with the ability to manually control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. A compact camera or a smartphone will not be adequate. A tripod suitable for the weight of your camera is required. Students need a computer with Lightroom Classic CC installed. Photoshop is not required. Along with a computer, students need an external hard drive and memory card for their camera.
Fall 2022
Fundamentals of Digital Photography
Leonie Marinovich BA, Documentary Photographer
This course is aimed at students wishing to master the fundamentals of photography. It gives students the opportunity to learn photography using their digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) and acquire the skills to use manual settings and use the different shooting modes available on their cameras. Topics covered in this course include the fundamentals of exposure, composition, lighting, editing techniques, color correction, delivery for print and digital media, metadata creation, and digital workflow management. We reference classical art that has heavily influenced photography in the way that images are composed and lighted. The course is helpful to students who wish to explore digital photography as a way to document their field work and other work in progress and enhance their visual literacy, enabling them to assess images and other visual media. Students are taught Lightroom to manage their digital archives and learn to use editing techniques to enhance their images. Coursework is structured along two main components: technical mastery and aesthetic development. During the semester students are first taught the technical skills which they then apply in practical exercises to consolidate those skills. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have mastered their camera and their images should look more polished. Students have the option to create a learning portfolio to present their work.
Prerequisites: Students do not need to have previous experience as a photographer, but learning the craft also requires a commitment to mastering other associated technologies. Students need to have a digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with the ability to manually control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. A compact camera or a smartphone will not be adequate. A tripod suitable for the weight of your camera is required. Students need a computer with Lightroom Classic CC installed. Photoshop is not required. Along with a computer, students need an external hard drive and memory card for their camera.
Fall 2022
Advanced Digital Photography
Gregory S. Marinovich MS, Master Lecturer, Journalism, Boston University
This course explores storytelling through the genres of photojournalism, documentary, and art photography. We look at photographic books with the goals of expanding students' approaches, techniques, and aesthetic possibilities for their semester-long projects. The course constantly refers to the software tools we use to ensure reliable workflow and archive management. It addresses advanced color management as well as the science of converting images from color to black and white. Through lectures, hands-on assignments, and critiques, students expand their understanding of digital photography while exploring their creativity to broaden the possibilities and improve the quality of their photographs. Documentary photography and long-form photojournalism predominate, but we also explore art. This is a bridging course between accidental art while doing documentary work and art for art's sake. We look at various types of photography that are defined or self-defined as art. We dive into portraiture outside of the studio, shooting stories involving people and discussing how to get the picture when everyone does not want you to. This course explores conflict and documentary photography extensively, with an emphasis on narrative photography, but it does not preclude students from any genre of photography they wish to pursue. The goal of the course is for each student to produce a body of work or a photographic essay in electronic book form. The skill of editing one's own work is a key learning goal.
Prerequisites: Students should have an intermediate to advanced knowledge of photography, or have completed DGMD E-9 or the equivalent. Students need access to a camera where they can control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Students need access to the internet and a computer with software like Adobe Lightroom to tone and edit images. Please note that Photoshop is not an editing tool, it is a retouching tool.
Spring 2023
Advanced Digital Photography
Gregory S. Marinovich MS, Master Lecturer, Journalism, Boston University
This course explores storytelling through the genres of photojournalism, documentary, and art photography. We look at photographic books with the goals of expanding students' approaches, techniques, and aesthetic possibilities for their semester-long projects. The course constantly refers to the software tools we use to ensure reliable workflow and archive management. It addresses advanced color management as well as the science of converting images from color to black and white. Through lectures, hands-on assignments, and critiques, students expand their understanding of digital photography while exploring their creativity to broaden the possibilities and improve the quality of their photographs. Documentary photography and long-form photojournalism predominate, but we also explore art. This is a bridging course between accidental art while doing documentary work and art for art's sake. We look at various types of photography that are defined or self-defined as art. We dive into portraiture outside of the studio, shooting stories involving people and discussing how to get the picture when everyone does not want you to. This course explores conflict and documentary photography extensively, with an emphasis on narrative photography, but it does not preclude students from any genre of photography they wish to pursue. The goal of the course is for each student to produce a body of work or a photographic essay in electronic book form. The skill of editing one's own work is a key learning goal.
Prerequisites: Students should have an intermediate to advanced knowledge of photography, or have completed DGMD E-9 or the equivalent. Students need access to a camera where they can control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Students need access to the internet and a computer with software like Adobe Lightroom to tone and edit images. Please note that Photoshop is not an editing tool, it is a retouching tool.
Spring 2023
Digital Media: From Prototypes to Products and Services
Bakhtiar Mikhak PhD, Co-Founder, Media Modifications, Ltd.
This is a practical software engineering course on creating a minimum viable product or service based on an interactive prototype for a mobile or web application designed in Framer (or Figma). We begin with a detailed review of the designs with particular attention to the underlying design system, and in particular, its component or pattern library. The first half of the course is dedicated to building a fully functioning demo of your application, where the the front-end user experience is powered by these components and the backend is implemented on a platform like 8base. We dedicated the second half of the course to either enriching your demo with novel features or preparing a version of your application for launch as a product or service. In the former case, the work on final deliverables may focus on iterative refinements to interaction and interface design or integration with third-party services for real-time interactivity and working with cloud storage and live data. In the latter case, the work would focus on deployment, security, and scaling. Your work in this course is based on significant use of a mix of these tools: Notion, Framer, HTML, CSS, Javascript, React, Next.js, Remix, Github, and Visual Studio Code.
Prerequisites: DGMD E-1 or equivalent with permission of the instructor.
Fall 2022
Wearable Devices and Computer Vision
Nabib Ahmed AM, Software Engineer, Machine Learning Research, Meta
This course explores the field of wearable devices and computer vision, and exposes students to hands-on practical exercises based on real-life situations and industry problems. Wearable technologies is currently a 50 billion dollar industry, with estimated annual growth of 10 percent year over year. It is experiencing explosive growth with exciting applications in many fields, from medicine to sports to fitness to entertainment, empowering people to interact, communicate, and experience the environment around them in new, innovative ways. Some prominent examples are smart watches, medical trackers, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets. Underlying these advances in wearable devices is computer vision, which is an exciting field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning enabling computers to derive information from images, videos, and other inputs. In this course we explore advances in wearable devices and utilize computer vision to tackle emerging problems (for example assistive devices, educational applications, and health monitoring). Students learn about sensors, signal processing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational optical analysis, simultaneous localization and mapping, lighting and material estimation, and robust algorithms for modeling. Students may not take both DGMD E-13 and DGMD E-14 for degree or certificate credit.
Prerequisites: Basic experience with programming, technical and code documentation, and data (any language will do; some example languages are Python, R, Java, C or C++). Familiarity with algebra and geometry required. No background needed in machine learning, computer vision, or wearable devices.
Spring 2023
Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence
Nabib Ahmed AM, Software Engineer, Machine Learning Research, Meta
This course explores the field of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and drones, and exposes students to the core technologies and systems through practical exercises and simulation. These are fields with tremendous growth and opportunities in the next 10-50 years; billions of dollars are being invested and the market size is expected to grow 10-15 percent annually. The impact of these technologies can fundamentally revolutionize a multitude of industries and transform our society, from self-driving cars to same-day drone delivery, to robotic assistants and laborers. This course explores the theories, tools, and processes that enable these technologies and the challenges, limitations, and capabilities of modern robotics, autonomous vehicles, and drone technologies. Students learn about sensor technologies for automation, autonomy from a systems perspective, vision-based perception and techniques, modern machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, mathematical modeling and abstraction, and engineering design. The goal is to develop a fundamental toolkit to advance the next generation within the field.
Prerequisites: Basic experience with programming, technical and code documentation, and data (any language will do, some example languages are Python, R, Java, C and C++). Familiarity with algebra and geometry. No background needed in machine learning, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or drones needed.
Fall 2022
Modern and Mobile Front-End Web Design I
Rupa Misra EdD, Assistant Professor and User Experience Design Program Coordinator, Professional Science Master's Program, Rutgers University
In this course, students learn HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, which are three fundamental web development technologies. Students learn hands-on and practical knowledge of how to create responsive design websites that would run on any modern browser and mobile device. The course explores advanced topics in CSS such as complex motion, games using HTML Canvas, JavaScript document object model (DOM), and JavaScript libraries such as jQuery and Bootstrap. Students use version control software such as GitHub.
Prerequisites: Basic computer knowledge.
Spring 2023
Modern and Mobile Front-End Web Design I
Rupa Misra EdD, Assistant Professor and User Experience Design Program Coordinator, Professional Science Master's Program, Rutgers University
In this course, students learn HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, which are three fundamental web development technologies. Students learn hands-on and practical knowledge of how to create responsive design websites that would run on any modern browser and mobile device. The course explores advanced topics in CSS such as complex motion, games using HTML Canvas, JavaScript document object model (DOM), and JavaScript libraries such as jQuery and Bootstrap. Students use version control software such as GitHub.
Prerequisites: Basic computer knowledge.
Fall 2022
Planning Successful Websites and Applications
Lisa DiOrio MS, Owner and Lead Developer, Fembot Creative
There are many options to build a website, from website builders to coding a site from scratch. Regardless of the option you choose to build the site, a solid planning process is crucial to produce an effective site. Questions such as what is significant about the product, for whom the product exists, and how should the product information be organized need to be addressed upfront. In this course, students learn to plan and design a website or web application, including choosing a target audience, defining site goals and reconciling these with user and business goals, establishing a brand and a tone of voice, and designing a page architecture. We also touch on many related topics including creating proposals, working with clients, marketing, understanding how users consume information, motivating user behavior, and design principles. The capstone for the course is a complete website specification including business goals, branding, and wireframes. This is not a coding course. It focuses on the other aspects of website and web application creation to set the stage for building sites that get results.
Fall 2022
Developing Websites with WordPress
Lisa DiOrio MS, Owner and Lead Developer, Fembot Creative
A content management system (CMS) facilitates rapid website development and allows for easy updates, often requiring minimal coding. Some of the key features of a CMS include separation of content from page formatting by utilizing a database, taxonomy to provide classification for posts and pages, themes to provide a foundational structure, plugins and modules which are building blocks that quickly add on functionality, and templates to define the structure of a related set of pages. In this hands-on course, we explore these concepts and more using the WordPress CMS to create engaging, mobile-friendly sites with compelling, meaningful content that meets the goals of a business or organization. The course is project-based; students build several sites over the term, culminating in a final project to build a complete website of their choosing.
Prerequisites: CSCI E-12 or permission of the instructor. Students should have a solid understanding of HTML and CSS fundamentals.
Spring 2023
WordPress Programming
Lisa DiOrio MS, Owner and Lead Developer, Fembot Creative
This hands-on course helps students gain an understanding of how to utilize client-side and server-side web programming to create customized online solutions, rich user experiences, e-commerce, and mobile friendly websites. Programming concepts are practiced using the WordPress platform, a free, open source content management system (CMS). Students hone programming skills by customizing the WordPress backend. Course topics include programming in PHP, relational databases, SQL and MySQL, database programming, programming WordPress theme files, adding custom code to a WordPress site, the WordPress CODEX/function library, WordPress filters and hooks, plugin development, programming WordPress shortcodes, site migration, and site maintenance. Project assignments help students gain proficiency with individual concepts culminating in a comprehensive final project to create an interactive website.
Prerequisites: A working knowledge of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Familiarity with programming concepts including conditionals, loops, functions, and arrays. Experience working with WordPress is helpful, but not required.
Spring 2023
Modern and Mobile Front-End Web Design II
Rupa Misra EdD, Assistant Professor and User Experience Design Program Coordinator, Professional Science Master's Program, Rutgers University
In this course the students learn the technologies that will power the next generation of web and mobile applications. Using TypeScript syntax, students learn to develop programs using popular libraries and frameworks such as Angular and React.js. The course covers static type checking, class-based objects, modularity, and ES6 features. The students learn about the concept of blockchain technology and develop a sample blockchain application.
Prerequisites: DGMD E- 20, basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or permission of the instructor.
Spring 2023
Developing Single-Page Web Applications
Lisa DiOrio MS, Owner and Lead Developer, Fembot Creative
In this course, students learn how to build interactive, single-page applications (SPAs) and interfaces for the web. An SPA is a special classification of a website or web application in which the user can navigate between different screens without loading a new web page. Instead, new content is accessed directly from the server using an application programming interface (API). This results in performance improvements and a more dynamic experience. Well constructed SPAs include a rich user interface to provide a seamless interactive user experience. Two well known examples of SPAs are Gmail and Twitter, which both provide dynamic page views without the need to reload the page. SPAs can be created with Javascript as well as various frameworks including as React, Angular, Node.js, and Vue.js. We explore the pros and cons of SPAs, as well as their effective design, and then explore several mechanisms involved in SPA development such as components, routing, and state management. This hands-on course includes many coding assignments to help students master the techniques used to build an SPA, culminating in a final project of building a complete single-page web application.
Prerequisites: JavaScript and/or a strong foundation in programming. Comfort with HTML/CSS (CSCI E-12 or equivalent). For the best chance of success in this course, students should understand the fundamentals of creating a website and have some coding experience.
Fall 2022
Introduction to Media Production
Nicholas J. Manley MFA, Co-founder, The Ebiz Institute
Building skills from the ground up, we demystify the technology and techniques, giving students everything they need to make professional-level video content in their fields. Cinematography, audio recording, editing, production management, and lighting for documentary and narrative film are all covered in a project-based approach. Students learn how to light an interview like a pro, make the most of their equipment in the field, conduct interviews, break down scenes, storyboard, plan, and produce video projects. We screen and critique students' work as it evolves and refine methods for strengthening stories by looking at successful movies that have cracked the code. This course is designed for anyone who wants a crash course in producing quality video on a shoestring budget and for storytellers who want to translate their ideas into compelling videos of any kind.
Prerequisites: Students may use most available video capture devices including video cameras, DSLR/mirrorless cameras, or smartphones (additional applications may be required). Specific approaches for each device are covered. Additionally, a tripod, audio recording device (or smartphone), and access to video editing software is required. In this course we use Adobe Premiere CC.
Spring 2023
Video Editing and Digital Design
Allyson Sherlock MFA, Senior Affiliated Faculty in Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College
The ability of the film editor to shape a story is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the filmmaking process. This course serves as an introduction to the art of video post-production. We explore the theory and practice of various editing styles in order to gain a better understanding of how stories are most effectively constructed in the editing room. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students learn advanced editing techniques with an in-depth examination of Adobe Premiere. To further enhance projects, students create animated motion graphics using Adobe After Effects and learn how to enhance their audio recordings with Adobe Audition. Strong emphasis is placed on post-production techniques that improve the sound and image quality of the videos. Footage is provided for all exercises and projects, and students are given the option to shoot new material for their final projects if desired.
Prerequisites: General comfort with computers.
Fall 2022
Video Editing and Digital Design
Allyson Sherlock MFA, Senior Affiliated Faculty in Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College
The ability of the film editor to shape a story is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the filmmaking process. This course serves as an introduction to the art of video post-production. We explore the theory and practice of various editing styles in order to gain a better understanding of how stories are most effectively constructed in the editing room. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students learn advanced editing techniques with an in-depth examination of Adobe Premiere. To further enhance projects, students create animated motion graphics using Adobe After Effects and learn how to enhance their audio recordings with Adobe Audition. Strong emphasis is placed on post-production techniques that improve the sound and image quality of the videos. Footage is provided for all exercises and projects, and students are given the option to shoot new material for their final projects if desired.
Prerequisites: General comfort with computers.
Fall 2022
Introduction to Motion Graphics and Story Visualization
Jason Wiser MFA, Creative Director, Yaya Play Games
How do we share a concept before the real counterpart has been created? How do we visualize a new piece of software, a business model, or a story dynamically? Motion graphics allows us to design enormously engaging visual experiences to communicate complex ideas. This course explores principles of visual narrative development toward an understanding of well-edited stories and effects.
Fall 2022
Universal Design in the Digital Landscape
Christina Inge MS, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Thoughtlight
Designing future-proof digital media means designing for all users. With 80 million Americans living with a temporary or permanent disability, technologies must be designed for users with different visual, auditory, and other requirements. In this course, we learn the foundations of universal design for digital media.
Prerequisites: Prior experience in graphic design, web design, and/or web development.
Fall 2022
Making the Short Film: Innovations and Practices for the Digital Age
Allyson Sherlock MFA, Senior Affiliated Faculty in Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College
Short films are an exciting and ever-evolving form of storytelling. This course explores the strong tradition short films have in our culture, as well as the new and innovative techniques filmmakers are currently using to tell and distribute their stories. In this course, students devote the entire semester to the creation and completion of one short film narrative, documentary, or animation with the intent of festival submission and/or online release. Students work in a collaborative atmosphere with classmates and the instructor to refine scripts and treatments, plan productions, and create the final film. Students may work individually or partner in a collaborative team. Either way, the course serves as a support system for each student, offering advice, critiques, and resources so that each member is an integral part of a fully realized short. In addition to supporting traditional filmmaking approaches, innovative storytelling techniques are strongly welcomed and supported. These can include interactive online documentaries, hybrid approaches (blending fiction and nonfiction), webisode pilots, and experimental techniques. Additionally, the course demystifies the online distribution process and the film festival circuit, exploring the many avenues filmmakers can take to get their work shown to a wider audience.
Prerequisites: Experience with video editing and production strongly encouraged but not required.
Spring 2023
Introduction to 3D Animation and Virtual Reality
Jason Wiser MFA, Creative Director, Yaya Play Games
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D modeling, surfacing, and animation. Students learn to model and texture objects, compose and light scenes, animate, and render as movies, learning techniques applicable to work in video games and augmented reality (AR), architectural and medical visualization, and television and feature films.
Prerequisites: Online students must have the following software, hardware, operating systems, and peripherals. For software: Autodesk Maya, Unity, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects (see syllabus for details). For hardware: 4 GB of RAM (8-16GB recommended), 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor, a webcam, a microphone (headset recommended), and 15 GB of free hard-drive space for installing programs. For operating systems, one of the following: Apple Mac OS X 10.8.5 or higher Microsoft Windows 7 (SP1) or higher. For peripherals: a three-button mouse (a two-button mouse will not work with Maya). A digital drawing tablet and pen, such as a Wacom Intuos, is recommended.
Fall 2022
Introduction to Visual Communication Design
Athir Mahmud PhD, Consultant
This course introduces students to a theory-driven, hands-on approach to visual communication design. Students learn about vector and raster graphics, designing for target audiences and accessibility, and editing photographs using some of the most commonly used photo editing software in the visual design industry. Topics include elements and principles of design, color theory, visual perception, typography, symbolism, brand identity, logos, and information design. Connections to current and historical contexts of visual communication and the graphic arts are interwoven throughout the course. Students share design work and take part in design critiques and written discussions, as both designers and peers.
Spring 2023
Introduction to Visual Communication Design
Athir Mahmud PhD, Consultant
This course introduces students to a theory-driven, hands-on approach to visual communication design. Students learn about vector and raster graphics, designing for target audiences and accessibility, and editing photographs using some of the most commonly used photo editing software in the visual design industry. Topics include elements and principles of design, color theory, visual perception, typography, symbolism, brand identity, logos, and information design. Connections to current and historical contexts of visual communication and the graphic arts are interwoven throughout the course. Students share design work and take part in design critiques and written discussions, as both designers and peers.
Fall 2022
Designing Educational Media
Kerry Foley EdM, Director of Online Pedagogy and Course Design, Department of Teaching and Learning, Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University
In a society saturated with media and technology, what makes a great learning tool stand out among the rest? This course explores the many types of informal and formal educational media being developed for children, K-12, higher education, adult learners, and workplace training, and examines the cognitive processes that drive the learning. Together we explore theoretical models for learning and teaching, fundamentals of user experience, and techniques for effective product development as they relate to the creation of educational media. Over the course of the semester, students evaluate existing educational media, participate in design challenges, and design a prototype for an educational media product of their own. No prior experience in educational technology is necessary for the course, but a willingness to explore new technologies is a must.
January 2023
Design of Computational Media for Formal and Informal Learning
Bakhtiar Mikhak PhD, Co-Founder, Media Modifications, Ltd.
Through hands-on activities and extended case studies, this intensive January session course explores the principles underlying the design of technologies for supporting critical and creative thinking in mathematics, science, and engineering education. Special projects provide participants with opportunities to design and implement new learning experiences with computational media. Teachers in particular develop concrete starting points for integrating technology in their own classroom practice in a hands-on way. Technologies introduced include Framer, Processing, D3.js, Wolfram, Cylon.js, and a variety of physical computing toolkits.
Fall 2022
Designing Online Courses
Karina Lin-Murphy EdM, Manager of Faculty Development, Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University
In this course, students explore the fundamental elements of online course design and how to be practitioners of pedagogy and instructional design in a world where online learning is constantly changing. Students examine and establish the qualities of a good online course through the lenses of foundational learning theories, design-thinking principles, and the practical realities of course design. Over the course of the semester, students create and workshop an online learning project of their choice. Course topics include working with subject matter experts, creating student connection, translating face-to-face learning experiences, course organization, evaluating online learning tools, designing assessments, and measuring course success. Students may not take both DGMD E-60 and EDUC E-113 for degree or certificate credit.
Prerequisites: DGMD E-55, EDUC E-103, EDUC E-115, or the equivalent.
Spring 2023
Introduction to Game Design
Jason Wiser MFA, Creative Director, Yaya Play Games
This course introduces students to the dynamic field of game design and development. Games are an enormously effective tool to motivate problem solving, inspire community interactions, and improve personal well-being. This course uses paper prototyping and game industry digital design tools to explore the creation of meaningful play experiences with the goal of understanding the game development process.
Prerequisites: An interest in digital art, programming, or digital sound is recommended, but no prior experience is required. Online students are expected to have access to a computer each week, capable of running Unity and the Adobe Suite. This course includes weekly team work on tabletop and digital game development.
Fall 2022
Capstone Design Studio
Karina Lin-Murphy EdM, Manager of Faculty Development, Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University
This capstone course is designed for students whose research projects focus on instructional design with an optional focus on web development and front-end design. Students apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to design a significant individual project in a collaborative environment. At the end of the semester, they make a formal oral presentation to their peers and visiting faculty and field professionals.
Prerequisites: Registration is limited to officially admitted candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, digital media design. Candidates must be in good academic standing, ready to graduate in March with only the capstone left to complete (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone), and have successfully completed the precapstone tutorial, DGMD S-598, in the previous Harvard Summer School term. Candidates who do not meet these requirements are dropped from the course.
Fall 2022
Capstone Design Studio
Bakhtiar Mikhak PhD, Co-Founder, Media Modifications, Ltd.
This capstone course is designed for students whose research projects focus on web development with a focus on front-end design. Students apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to design a significant individual project in a collaborative environment. At the end of the semester, they make a formal oral presentation to their peers and visiting faculty.
Prerequisites: Registration is limited to officially admitted candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, digital media design. Candidates must be in good academic standing, ready to graduate in March with only the capstone left to complete (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone), and have successfully completed the precapstone tutorial, DGMD S-598, in the previous Harvard Summer School term. Candidates who do not meet these requirements are dropped from the course.
Spring 2023
Capstone Design Studio
Allyson Sherlock MFA, Senior Affiliated Faculty in Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College
This capstone course is designed for students whose research projects focus on video production and web development with a focus on front-end design. Students apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to design a significant individual project in a collaborative environment. At the end of the semester, they make a formal oral presentation to their peers and visiting faculty.
Prerequisites: Registration is limited to officially admitted candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, digital media design. Candidates must be in good academic standing, ready to graduate in May with only the capstone left to complete (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone), and have successfully completed the precapstone tutorial, DGMD E-598, in the previous fall term. Candidates who do not meet these requirements are dropped from the course.
Spring 2023
Capstone Design Studio
Karina Lin-Murphy EdM, Manager of Faculty Development, Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University
This capstone course is designed for students whose research projects focus on instructional design with an optional focus on web development and front-end design. Students apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to design a significant individual project in a collaborative environment. At the end of the semester, they make a formal oral presentation to their peers and visiting faculty and field professionals.
Prerequisites: Registration is limited to officially admitted candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, digital media design. Candidates must be in good academic standing, ready to graduate in May with only the capstone left to complete (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone), and have successfully completed the precapstone tutorial, DGMD E-598, in the previous fall term. Candidates who do not meet these requirements are dropped from the course.