Course Syllabus

Class Summary

This is a beginning level in which Adobe Flash CS6 will be used to create dynamic visual presentations with auditory and video components to communicate more effectively on the Web.

Description

Introduce core concepts: Flash file types; opening, creating and saving documents; library and naming practices; vector and bitmap file types; user interface components (the stage, scenes, timelines, layers, keyframes, inspectors, panels and panel groups, and commands); tool components (selection, drawing, color, navigation, shapes, text, options); animation and interactivity components (graphic symbols, button symbols, movie clip symbols, tweening, external editors, frame-by-frame, frame actions, and actionscript). Develop basic skills in the creation of web motion graphics. Learn to export and embed .swf files into Web pages. Gain knowledge about publishing files to Adobe AIR, mobile device platforms such as Android OS and iOS, and the HTML/CSS toolkit export plug-in.

Specific Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Achieve mastery of the native drawing tools (line, pencil, rectangle, oval, text, brushes, paint bucket, eye dropper) and their modifiers
• Maneuver through the various window panels of Flash with ease (stage, scenes, layers, keyframes, symbol library)
• Show mastery of basic Flash interactive processes (motion and shape tweening, color effects, button and frame actions)
• Create dynamic/meaningful motion pieces that can be embedded in Web pages
• Create a navigational interface using Flash CS6.
• Create a walk cycle animation using inverse kinematics
• Create interactive animations (buttons) with sound
• Student will be able to import and optimize video files to integrate into webpage
• Explore exporting animations to HTML/CSS
• Use FTP software to publish an interactive animation created in Flash to the World Wide Web
• Show competence of basic actionscript using behaviors and the actionscript pane to control and manipulate the project timeline
• Demonstrate an ability to work in groups.

Requirements

• Possess suitable language skills
• Have a basic understanding of computer use
• Be familiar with how to use the Internet.

Critical Thinking

Critically evaluate existing interactive web sites such those containing Flash-generated content, and determine pros and cons. Locate and evaluate other components where Flash is deployed on the desktop or mobile environment. Evaluate user experience, usability and visual experience of example. Participate in discussion/critique of peer work and presented examples.

Required Writing

A written plan required for project 1 and project 4. Comparison and critique of existing websites and class generated web sites.

Assignments

Students are expected to spend a minimum of three hours per unit per week in class and on outside assignments. Students are to read/review handouts, complete assigned reading, study any lecture/lab notes, complete lab exercises and homework assignments.

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate effective communication skills in designer/client relationships.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of Assessment may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Class Participation
• Exams/Tests
• Lab Activities
• Oral Presentation
• Projects
• Research Projects

Methods of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lecture/Lab
• Demonstration
• Discussion
• Group Projects/Activities

Content in Terms of Specific Body of Knowledge

Basic Tools

• Line
• Pencil
• Brush
• Paint bucket
• Oval
• Rectangle
• Ink bottle
• Pen/bezier
• Text
• Selection tools-pointer & lasso

Editing Environment

• Timeline
• Scenes
• Layers
• Frames & keyframes
• Symbol library
• Inspectors

Concepts

• Vector and bitmap graphics
• Frame by frame animation
• Movie-making metaphor (stage, scene)
• Stage
• Scene
• Layers
• Timelines
• Frames
• Tools and modifiers
• Shapes, groups, and symbols
• Symbol types: graphic, button, movie clip
• Symbols and instances
• Color effects
• Tweening
• Keyframes
• Actions
• Actionscript

Procedures

• Using non-native graphics: externally created graphics and sounds
• Reusing graphic components-symbols, the symbol library, and instances
• Exporting swfs, html/css
• Frame by frame animation
• Animation with motion tweening
• Working with the motion guide layer
• Animation with shape tweening
• Nesting symbols
• Applying actions to button instances
• Applying actions to frames
• Adding sound to frames
• Masking
• Storyboards & rough sketches
• Publishing, adding .swfs to web pages
• Exporting to HTML/CSS
• File and folder management
• Uploading

 Skills

• Creating simple shapes
• Modifying simple shapes
• Working with multiple objects on a single layer
• Working with multiple layers
• Saving and reusing graphic objects
• Using non-native graphics
• Frame-by frame animation
• Animation with motion tweening
• Animation with shape tweening
• Complex animation
• Animated masks
• Creating interactivity with frame actions
• Creating interactivity with buttons
• Adding sound
• Creating interactivity with actionscript
• Publishing the animation

Materials

Required:

• Text: Adobe Flash Professional CS6: Digital Classroom
  by: Fred Gerantabee and
  the AGI Creative Team
  Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  Date: 2012
  ISBN: 978-1-118-124086
• Note-taking materials

Recommended:

• Removable storage media (flash drive) or cloud-based storage account
• Lynda.com membership

Grading Policy

Class participation

50% of overall grade:  Participation includes working on daily assignments. There are ten in-class exercise assignments worth 5 points each.

Quizzes

20% of overall grade: There will be four quizzes, each worth 5 points.

Projects

30% of overall grade: There will be four class projects:  projects 1-3 are worth 5 points each; project 4 is worth 10pts.

Make-up Work:

Make-up work will be accepted only if prearranged with the instructor before the assignment is due.

Extra Credit:

A maximum of 10 points is possible. Extra credit will need to be arranged with the instructor before November 1.

Grading Basis:

Grade/Pass/No-Pass

Attendance:

The importance of regular attendance cannot be over-emphasized. Roll will be taken each class meeting and is part of your participation grade. You can miss up to four class meetings during the semester, any more than four missed class meetings could be cause for a failing grade. Please anticipate and plan for this.

Financial Aid:

Please see http://www.palomar.edu/fa/ for information and important deadlines pertaining to scholarships and financial aid.

Canvas Class Site:

We will be using an alternative website to Blackboard this semester. The link to this section is: https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/740509.  In order to access the site, you will need a valid email address and have accepted the invitation to join the class.

GCMW108 General Info Site:

Periodic updates, contact information, this syllabus, as well as resources and basic information can be found on the class website, located here: http://www2.palomar.edu/pages/kbeddomehelming.