FIT5900 : Introduction to Multimedia Programming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I print the lecture notes out?
A: You can print the notes out and make your own pencil notes during lectures in the margins. You can download the files to your own computer or a floppy disk at exam time and read them.
Q: Why are the web page lecture notes so LONGGGGGG?
A: The files for each lecture are very long (lousy web design) so that you can easily copy them to a disk (or print them) and locate the lecture material you're interested in (thoughtful design).
Q: Will
the lecture note pages remain the same all semester?
A: No, the pages will be constantly updated as more information comes to hand and the lectures progress. (Hence, use them live online if possible to be sure you are reading the latest version... the web is a dynamic medium remember!?)
Q: Should I take notes in class?
A: Of course you must take notes in class! The notes on the web are not a substitute for this, they are intended as extra non-essential material. Everything said in class is examinable, whether it eventually winds up on the web site or not! Take thorough notes in class and compare them with those of your classmates to ensure you didn't miss anything. Compare them with the web site to see if there is anything else you missed or anything which you should research.
If all the material were to go on the web site, and if you were to study from the web site alone, why would the lecturer need to give lectures at all? He may as well offer this course purely by correspondance! :-)
Q: Where
can I obtain information about Computer Centre (CC) accounts?
A: Have a look at the online CC info: http://www.its.monash.edu.au/info/itsig/index.shtml
Q: What computer accounts do I need for this course?
A: You should have an account for both the PC machines in the labs and a UNIX account for publishing your web pages on the server silas. It is assumed that you are familiar with the basic operation of a UNIX system (If you need more information on UNIX functionality or commands, try Robbins, A. "Unix in a Nutshell", O'Reilly & Associates, 1999)
Q: What if I can't access one of my accounts?
A: Computer accounts are created automatically for students who are enrolled in the subject. If you can't access your account please check with the Computer Centre Help Desk on the appropriate campus. (If you ar not enrolled in the Masters of Multimedia Course and do not have a UNIX computer account you may need to obtain authorization from your course co-ordinator to obtain an account.)
Q: What software is available to do the assignments?
A: Netscape Navigator (version 4) with
Shockwave Flash, Quicktime and Real Audio plugins; Text editor (for editing
html), Corel Draw (paint program), Adobe Premiere (movie editing software),
C compiler, Perl interpreter (on UNIX, for writing CGI scripts).
Q: Is attendance at the labs compulsory?
A: No. Lab attendance is optional. Some
labs have tutors (see the lab page) who are available
to help you with course material and the practical exercises.
Q: Are the practical exercises compulsory?
A: Yes. You must complete all the prac exercises. You can do these during the labs or in your own time.
Q: How are the practical exercises assessed?
A: Prac exercises must be submitted electronically for assessment on or before the 22 May 2000. Only a pass/fail grade will be awarded but a pass grade is a hurdle requirement for this course (i.e. you must pass the prac exercises). You may show your practical work to your tutor at any time before submission for feedback. A pass grade will be awarded if you have made a reasonable attempt to complete the exercise.
Q: I have only found two people for my assignment group, what should I do?
A: Find two other people in the same situation. Some time will be given between the lectures on Monday for people to form groups.
©Copyright Alan Dorin & Jon McCormack 1999,2000