Improving Student Learning through the Use of 3D Simulation Activities and Case Studies in Multimedia Programming Co-PI: Christopher Stein, Assistant Professor Computer Information Systems Department Co-PI: Jody Culkin, Assistant Professor Music and Art Department Borough of Manhattan Community College The City University of New York NSF DUE CCLI

The Grant Multimedia Programming students at the Borough of Manhattan Community College have had difficulty learning the concepts and theories upon which computer applications and digital media are developed, and then applying these concepts to the process of developing their projects. Our grant addresses these issues by adapting and implementing exemplary educational materials and pedagogical strategies to revise the three core courses of the major.

Goals of Multimedia Programming Major Provide students with an understanding of the concepts upon which computer applications and digital media are developed. Help students master practical skills to complete interactive applications.

The Grant: Needs Addressed Students have difficulty learning concepts and theories upon which computer applications are built. Students have difficulty applying concepts while developing their projects.

The Grant: Adaptation and Implementation Identify exemplary educational materials and pedagogical strategies to revise the three core courses of the major. Multimedia Programming Multimedia Networking Distributed Multimedia Applications

Multimedia Programming Introductory programming class Students learn basic programming concepts and create interactive applications

Approach Adapted Students work in Alice IDE for 6 weeks before transitioning to ActionScript Learn fundamentals of object- oriented programming without syntax problems Apply concepts learned to another language

Materials Adapted JABRWOC -- Java-based Animation: Building viRtual Worlds for Object-oriented programming in Community colleges NSF-DUE , Principal Investigator: Stephen Cooper, St. Joseph’s University

Multimedia Networking Theory based course Students learn How digital data is stored How digital media are created How information is transmitted over a network

Approach Adapted Using Integrated Digital Media Curriculum, theory and practice taught in five areas digital data digital imaging digital audio digital video networking

Materials Adapted Integrated Digital Media Curriculum NSF-DUE , Principal Investigator: Yue-Ling Wong, Co-PI Jennifer Burg, Wake Forest University

Distributed Multimedia Applications Students develop complex applications Students are introduced to programming in a networked and multiuser environment.

Approach Adapted Case Study method used to tie concepts to real-world applications Adobe Flash Media Server provides the multiuser environment and allows students to build on ActionScript skills

Materials Adapted National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science Directors: Clyde Herreid and Nancy Schiller, both of University at Buffalo

Additional Grant Activities Tutoring program for students to extend student learning Faculty development workshops ensure integration of the newly developed courseware into the teaching practices of the faculty