Courseware, Education and Curriculum in Multimedia

Welcome to WWW pages for a special workshop to be held Nov. 19, 1996 as part of ACM MM'96, ACM Multimedia'96, The 4th International Multimedia Conference and Exhibition, Boston, November 18-22, 1996

Workshop Description

Abstract

This workshop - for educators, trainers, and employers of those who wish to work in the multimedia field - will begin the process of developing curricula, courses, training materials, courseware, etc. suitable for worldwide use. It will target undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. levels and span the range from focused training needs to introductory courses to concentrations or full programs. We urge attendance of all interested teachers, researchers, artists, and those hiring in multimedia industries.

Participation

Workshop Chair
Edward A. Fox
SIGMM Education Committee
Including the other Co-chair, Linda Kieffer
Selection
Participants will be selected based on a short proposal to be submitted by Sept. 16 that outlines their interest and experience. Preference will be given to those willing to work on a curriculum, and who have taught courses in the MM area, or to employers (of people trained in the MM field) who can help define what skills and knowledge are required. Selection will aim to ensure there are representatives of CS, Computer Engineering, Education, and other such programs and to give a geographic balance.

Planned Activities

  1. The meeting will begin with 2 hours of presentations (8-10am).
  2. The rest of the morning will deal with the problem of defining an MM curriculum. That is, there will be a brainstorming discussion to see what courses at the undergraduate, masters, and PhD levels (and at similar levels in non-US-type educational systems) can be agreed upon. When that is not possible, a larger number of "knowledge modules" will be defined, that can be put together in several ways to suit a variety of course sequences. If facilities allow, this session will take place using some type of conferencing or collaboration software (e.g., KMS on UNIX systems - or Daedalus on Macs). This session will be preceded by a break and followed by lunch.
  3. At the end of the morning session the workshop will break into groups so that each course and knowledge module can be covered by those best suited. Initial discussions can begin over lunch.
  4. After lunch, each workshop group (probably 4, but this depends on attendance - we want no more than 5-9 in a group) will meet in a separate room. During a 2 hour period a draft syllabus for each course or knowledge module will be developed.
  5. After another break, the groups will all meet together for a closing plenary, presenting their conclusions. Discussion will lead to refinements of group reports.
  6. The workshop report will appear on WWW to stimulate discussion in the MM community of the proposed curriculum. The Education Committee will follow up with other publicity and action, such as developing a proper bibliography for each course, and identifying courseware, online demos, and other resourses to help educator launch such courses.
  7. Workshops results will be discussed during the conference at a birds of a feather session, or if there is a desire by the program committee, through a panel.

For additional information: