Media Communication Arts
2002-2004
Objective
We will maintain pace with changes in the professional worlds of radio, television, sound recording, journalism and new media by implementing instruction in digital production processes and techniques, while continuing to deliver fundamental professional principles, and training leading to careers in media production or articulation to university studies
Media Communications currently budgets, operates and plans according to the Grossmont Educational Master Plan-1997 to 2015 . The Media Communications Department seeks to integrate new digital equipment and facilities into existing systems, upgrade existing equipment and facilities where possible, and acquire new technology to service majors in Media Communication Arts. We also provide courses relevant to other specialized audio, video and new media students, as well as students satisfying General Education requirements. The Audio Programs within Media communications department are two of (four) tracks that students may pursue- Radio Broadcast and Audio Recording. The Audio Production Arts Track currently makes use of one recording studio referred to hereafter, as the "Main Studio" and 7 lab stations, of which 3 are analog and 4 are computer based digital audio workstations. Broadcast Radio Operations is also taught as an audio emphasis track, with students operating the campus FM radio station- KGFN. The Video emphasis is comprised of Television studio production, field production, and post-production training. The single video degree emphasis can follow one of two paths, either narrative cinematography (storytelling) or non-narrative video production (news, documentary, etc.). Journalism, the forth degree emphasis, is moving towards cross-media training and applications to stay abreast with changes in the professional journalism field. Journalism students also publish the Summit Newspaper and are looking forward to creating a web-based, on-line version. All of these specialties are offered on two levels; 1st year basic, open to all students and 2nd year professional at Grossmont College.
Curriculum Impact
There are immediate rewards for our graduates in securing jobs or university transfers after training, instruction and internships here at Grossmont College in all areas of broadcasting, web-casting, digital production and post-production operations. Transfer opportunities to University studies are abundant and varied. The current Media Communications curriculum is being modified to meet new instructional procedures for operation of digital equipment acquired during the last technology cycle.
Approximate Number of students Served
The Media Communications Department currently has about 120 majors in four tracks of emphasis, Audio Broadcast, Audio Recording Arts, Video Production, and Cross-Media Journalism.
The course offerings of the department service about 1500 students per year across the curriculum. All courses in the department use technology to some degree.
Evaluation
We will evaluate the success of our upgrade to digital technology by the student response to our course offerings and by the industry advisory board members response regarding the competency of graduates leaving Grossmont College. We will also track the transfers of students to Universities and into the job market.
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS : Year 1 (2002-2003)
Objective
To upgrade and buy equipment according to digital media industry standards up to the level permitted by our overall budget constraints. To purchase equipment consistent with the technical requirements for use with existing equipment.
Television Production Centers - Television production seeks to replace the remaining analog production technology with digital and digital-ready hybrid (analog/digital) equipment for the studio system. This cycle is geared towards integrating new technologies and upgrading acquisition, test and storage equipment to meet current standards. The production labs will upgrade digital technology acquired in the last cycle.
Audio Recording and Post-Production labs – The Audio Recording and Post-Production studios/labs will continue to convert from tools of analog Audio to the newer industry standard- digital tools and equipment. We will be challenged to provide the new hands-on analog style mixing boards that interfaces with the computers. Replacing the difficult “mixing with a mouse” interface with a mixing board connected to the computer will take an investment of funds for 3 to 5 years.
Radio Production and KGFN – The Grossmont radio program operates the KGFN radio station on a limited FM broadcast band and teaches students both on-air and management skills related to professional radio broadcast standards. The radio station seeks to complete the transition from analog to digital operations started in the previous technology cycle. In addition, the radio program is pursuing a license to operate a low-power AM or FM broadcast station capable of reaching the immediate community surrounding Grossmont College with news, information and campus activities. Technology support equipment and upgrades to existing equipment will be required.
Journalism and Summit Newspaper - The computers and technology purchased during the last cycle will be used by students to publish the Summit Newspaper, and to develop an "online edition" of The Summit, beginning soon. These computers will need to be upgraded as technological advances permit a merger of print with video and audio streaming over the next two years. An example of The Summit’s immediate online potential may be found by looking at www.cnn.com, which is essentially an online print publication embedded with audio and video content. We will start thinking now about increased size of servers required to handle the new media’s demand for memory, speed and public access, and networking systems for data exchange and storage of digital information.
Non-instructional support operations - Support operations require the MediaCom engineer to upgrade and purchase new test, measurement, and maintenance equipment consistent with digital television technology. MediaCom faculty computers need upgrades to handle new large and powerful audio/video/graphic and Web applications we must teach. Infrastructure for digital access and Local Area Network operations should be designed and computer "servers" connected to operate them.
Curriculum Impact
The Media Communications curriculum will be modified to include and reflect the changes caused by conversion of analog to digital processes. The new equipment, procedures and facilities require changes to the class outlines and the curriculum structure, which the faculty has initiated, and has submitted to the curriculum committee. The Journalism track has been approved to begin a Cross Media Journalism program and is implementing it now.
Action to Meet Objectives
1) Purchase four (4) Canon GL-1 cameras for entry level classes. completed
2) Purchase four (4) Bogen tripods with fluid heads. completed
3) Purchase one (1) Sony DSR-250 Camera for pro level classes.
4) Purchase one (1) AVIO entry-level edit system. completed
5) Purchase two (2) Sony VHS/SVHS videocassette recorders. completed
6) Purchase one (1) digital test signal generator for engineering.
7) Purchase one (1) Videotek VTM-200 on-screen program monitor
8) Upgrade Pro-Tools with DigiDesign Control 24 and cable kit. completed
9) Replace two (2) faculty computers to Pentium III (enhanced) level. completed
10) Upgrade (5) P/Cs in Summit office with RAM & software. completed
11) Upgrade five (5) AVID " DV" systems with Boris software enhancements.
12) Purchase one FM radio transmitter.
13) Purchase two (2) Sony DSR-11 video recorders completed
14) Purchase two (2) Sony 14 inch color monitors. completed
15) Purchase one (1) Panasonic DMR-T2020 DVD-RAM/R Recorder completed
16) Purchase two (2) Sony analog to digital trans-coders completed
17) Purchase two (2) Panasonic AG-DV1000 video recorder units. completed
18) Purchase two (2) Sony VHS/SVHS videocassette recorder. completed
19) Purchase (12) Adobe After Effects 9.0 for Macs in Synergy Lab.
20) Purchase one (1) Wohler VAMP-2 SDI Audio/Video LED monitor for studio.
21) Purchase one (1) 14 in Color Engineering video monitor
Support Staff Impact
1)Training for faculty and staff in digital technology is required
2) Hiring a Part-time Engineer will be required for extended lab hours and digital maintenance.
Evaluation
The MediaCom Department was able to complete the purchase of most items requested for the first year and several items slated for acquisition in the second year by funds generated from the department budget, VATEA, Division augmentation funds, ASGC grant monies and withdrawals from the Media communications trust fund. The following purchases from the 2002 list were completed: (4) Canon GL-1 cameras, (4) Bogen tripods with fluid heads, (1) AVIO edit system, (1) Pro-Tools upgrade with DigiDesign Control 24 and cable kit, two (2) faculty computers replaced, (2) Sony DSR-11 video recorders, (2) Sony 14 inch color monitors, (1) Panasonic DMR-T2020 DVD-RAM/R Recorder, and (2) Sony VHS/SVHS recorders. In addition the following items from the 2003 list were also purchased in the last cycle: (1) Yamaha digital hybrid audio mixing board, (2) Canon GL-1 cameras, (2) Sony 20 inch monitors, Pro-Tools upgraded audio system- new software, (1) Final Cut Pro software bundle- 5units , (2) Panasonic AG-DV1000 video recorders. The following items from the 2002 list could not be purchased and should roll-over to the 2003 request list: (1) Sony DSR-250 Camera for pro level classes, (1) digital test signal generator for engineering, (5) AVID "Express DV" software enhancements, (1) Videotek VTM-200 on-screen program monitor, (2) Sony DSR-11 video recorders, (12) Adobe After Effects 9.0 for Macs, (1) Wohler VAMP-2 SDI Audio/Video LED monitor, (1) 14 in Color Engineering video monitor.
MEDIACOM: Year 2 (2003-2004)
Objective
(1) To provide up-to-date equipment according to industry standards. (2) To enhance and upgrade existing equipment. (3) To replace worn and outdated equipment with suitable replacements which integrate with existing studio and field systems. (4) To provide suitable presentation equipment and facilities to screen instructional, student and faculty work.
Description: Television Production Centers - Television production will continue to replace old analog production technology with digital-ready hybrid (analog/digital) equipment for the studio system. We will acquire additional digital field cameras for the entry level and the advanced level TV field production students. We’ll continue to upgrade Macs to serve as digital graphic production platforms and acquire Adobe After Effects software to teach digital graphic animation in cooperation with the art department. We will begin testing Final Cut Pro for possible Editing instruction on the Apples in the Synergy lab. The use of Final Cut Pro editing software requires Apple computers as a platform so we must acquire them in the near future.
Audio Recording and Post-Production labs - Upgrade three existing Analog Audio Lab Stations to Pro-tools for PC called Digi 001. This will allow our lab stations to mirror many of the functions of our master Pro-tools 24 system at about $1,000 per station. Install Local Area Network server to tie lab stations into Pro-Tools and common file database.
Radio Production and KGFN air operations - The radio station desires to upgrade old analog equipment as well as acquire industry broadcast equipment to give the student a more realistic experience when completing their course of study, and to provide outreach capability to the surrounding community by the college.
Journalism and Summit Newspaper operations - Use computers, digital cameras and video / audio streaming technology to publish and distribute online news content which integrates print, radio, and streaming video technology.
Non-instructional support operations - Support operations require the MediaCom engineer to upgrade or purchase new test, measurement, and maintenance equipment consistent with digital television technology. MediaCom faculty computers need upgrades to handle new audio, video, graphic, and Web applications. Infrastructure for digital access and Local Area Network operations to be installed and computer "servers" acquired to operate audio/video networks.
Action to Meet Objective
1) Purchase one Yamaha digital hybrid audio mixing board. completed
2) Purchase one (1) digital test signal generator for engineering
3) Purchase two (2) AVIO SE entry-level edit systems . completed
4) Purchase one (1) Videotek VTM-200 on-screen program monitor
5) Purchase two (2) Canon GL-1 cameras for entry level classes
6) Purchase two (2) Sony 20 inch monitors for AVIO Editing. completed
7) Purchase two (2) Sony DSR-250 cameras for 200 level classes.
8) Purchase two (2) Sony VHS/SVHS videocassette recorders. completed
9) Purchase one (1) Panasonic DMR-T2020 DVD-R/RAM Recorder
10) Upgrade or replace two (2) faculty computers to Pentium IV level.
11) Upgrade Pro-Tools audio system with new software. completed
12) Replace one (1) Tektronix 1720SCH vector scope monitor.
13) Replace one (1) Tektronix 1730D waveform monitor.
14) Purchase six (6) Panasonic LFD-311 internal DVD recorders.
15) Replace one (1) time base corrector for digital studio productions
16) Purchase two (2) Sony DSR-11 video recorders.
17) Upgrade (5) AVID "Express NT" systems with Boris software enhancements.
18) Replace (1) PowerMac with two (2) MacIntosh G-4 computers.
19) Purchase (1) Final Cut Pro software bundle- 5 units, to mount in synergy.
20) Replace four (4) lav microphones for studio use.
21) Purchase twenty (20) Adobe After Effects software license for synergy lab.
22) Purchase (3) internal CD burners w/ software for faculty P/Cs.
23) Purchase one (1) AVID Unity fiber hard-drive storage system
24) Purchase two (2) Sony Mini-Disc Recorder/Players
25) Purchase two (2) Phillips DVD players for digital playback in classrooms.
26) Purchase six (6) Phillips DVD players for AVIO Editing systems
27) Purchase two (2) Panasonic AG-DV1000 video recorder units.
28) Purchase three (3) Wohler MON3-3 rack mnt. LCD 5 in. color monitors for TV.
29) Purchase eight (8) replacement light instruments for video studio
30) Purchase two (2) video studio backdrops
31) Purchase one (1) studio seamless corner background system
32) Purchase two (2) shotgun microphones for video checkout
Support Staff Impact
1) Training for faculty & staff in digital technology.
2) Part-time Engineering Tech required to extend student lab hours.