What will I learn?
This program is designed to teach people the essentials of web and CD-ROM/DVD-ROM production. The basics of electronic design will also be explored in a dynamic new way where text, graphics, sound and animation are combined in interactive applications for personal, entertainment, or educational use.

What will I do?
Initially, students will be learning the 'tools of the trade.' The next phase involves a compressive understanding of electronic communications, documentation, design, programming and game development. The final stage of the program allows for the practical combination of theory and skill into a series of individual projects as well as a number of team-based applications. An eight-week field placement is included.

Where can I work after graduating?
The demand for multimedia comes from a variety of industries wanting to communicate information through the internet, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, kiosks, and computer displays. Public and private sector employers include design houses, advertising agencies, newspapers and magazines, educational institutions, the federal and provincial government, health care facilities, and the recreation/tourism industries.

Do I need to have drawing or fine art skills?
No artistic ability is required for entrance or student success within these programs. If an applicant is primarily interested in exploring his or her potential as an artist, they would be better off applying for one of our more specific design oriented programs such as Graphic Design or Interior Design. However, this does not prevent or hinder artists who do qualify for either program as they usually end up excelling in the graphics, animation and interface design aspects of various multimedia applications.

Will I be trained on Macs or PCs?
More than 95 per cent of the worlds computers are PC-based but you will be trained on both platforms. There is no question PCs and Windows-based computer systems are the dominent force in multimedia, video, photography and graphic design. But a number of companies expect graduates to be trained on BOTH systems -- one or the other is NOT good enough in today's society. For that reason, several of your courses will held in Macintosh labs. Windows-based PCs are preferred choice for the interactive multimedia and interactive multimedia developer programs.

Macintosh is NOT reccomended for the game development program under any circumstance. Eurocom, IBM, HP, Toshiba, and other generic LAPTOPS are NOT RECOMENDED for the interactive multimedia, multimedia developer or game development programs with one exception: www.voodoopc.com

If you want to buy a new desktop PC for the program consider these specifications:

AMD Athlon 64 (avoid AMD Sempron) or Intel P4 2.6GHz (avoid Intel Celeron)
A good ABIT or ASUS motherboard is required -- avoid noname or onboard items.
2 GIGs RAM (more is better)
100+ GIG Hard Disk (more is better)
Video Card of 256+ Megs
Audio Card
Digital media card reader
DVD / CD Burner
Ports : LAN or modem, 4 USB 2.0, PS/2, FireWire, Parellel and / or Serial Port

If you want to buy a new desktop Macintosh for the program consider these specifications: (there will be some things in multimedia you cannot do with a Macintosh, so plan to use our labs in addition to your computer):

Any one of the Macintosh Models
a) M9590LL/A
b) M9591LL/A
c) M9592LL/A would be adequate if equipped with two GIGS of RAM

What other PC computer access will I have besides the specialty labs for the multimedia and game development students?
All Algonquin College students are provided with an e-mail account, dial-up and Internet access from home as well as use of the Access Centres, rooms with PC computers, dedicated to student access 24 hours per day. These computers are good for word processing, surfing, checking E-mail and doing general education courses.

Can I take either program part-time?
The demands of this program are such that they cannot be met on a part-time basis. Similar courses and programs are available through our continuing education department.

I've taken something similar but didn't graduate. Would I be exempt from one or two of my credits?
The college offers a prior learning assessment for all those who feel they already meet the requirements for some courses.

I have a university degree or college diploma in a non-computer-related subject, what do I do?
A few places in the second year of the program will be made available to students who have the appropriate background and an aptitude to succeed. A degree or diploma does not guarantee exemption from the first-year. Please enquire with the program coordinator, Tanya Hawley 613.727.4723 ext. 5182

Email: multimedia@algonquincollege.com