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In exchange for a responsibility waiver,
UTA loans the laptops and software for the duration of the class,
which allows any student to use the latest technology regardless
of income.
“We know of no other honors program in the
country that provides students with laptops,” said Carolyn
Barros, dean of the Honors College. “We see this as a way to
begin to move toward a wireless campus and as the next step for
the University.”
| “We know of no
other honors program in the country that provides students with
laptops. We see this as a way to begin to move toward a wireless
campus and as the next step for the University.” |
| |
–Honors College Dean Carolyn
Barros
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Dr. Danahay says the course has presented few
glitches and many benefits. Unlike with conventional desktop machines,
the wireless arrangement allows more relaxed seating and facilitates
breaking into groups. “From a pedagogical perspective, this
is an incredible advantage,” he said. “I would like to
see the whole campus go wireless eventually.”
Multimedia Authoring doesn’t just address the challenges of
writing for games or Web sites; it also introduces students to basic
design principles and software, areas that a traditional English
curriculum might overlook.
“Web design is a great career choice for
English majors,” Dr. Danahay explained. “Graduates who
can use imagination, writing skills and design sense will have an
advantage. There are lots of Web sites out there, but not always
ones you’d want to visit; they’re boring, not well-designed.”
Karen Honea, a public relations and marketing
major, believes Multimedia Authoring will enhance her career prospects.
“Public relations includes the Web nowadays. I’m from
an older generation; I didn’t grow up with computers like my
children did. This class was a way to become more involved with
computers and design.”
Computer science and engineering major J.R. Sawyer
has a slightly different perspective. “I plan on going into
graphics and multimedia, including game design. This class will
be a big help when I apply to graduate school. It also allows me
academic freedom that lets me set my own limits.”
Dr. Danahay smiles when asked what inspired him
to take an English class in this direction.“When I proposed
it, the chair asked me, ‘What’s this doing in an English
program?’ But being connected to the Web will become essential
to students. Human interaction is what makes a successful online
game, and that’s something unique that liberal arts students
can contribute.”
– JB
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