The first-year students in Professor Lynn Tomaszewski’s Visual & Color Dynamics course provide just one “snapshot” of the college-wide digital learning under way at MIAD. Visual Color & Dynamics is a new course that increases students’ digital experience and exploration of the digital process in creating an image w
hile integrating the concepts of color, light and time.
Just as these first-year students are learning Photoshop, students across all majors and years at MIAD are using their laptops to deepen and integrate their learning experiences while ensuring that they are prepared for the demands of today’s professional world.
Integrated Studio Arts sophomores in Professor Jason S. Yi’s Integration and Intersection course are conducting instant research on artists as they are presented in lectures. They are also using their laptops to create their own artist presentations through Keynote or PowerPoint, which helps them to edit their work and organize their thoughts on how they want to present themselves.
Juniors of all majors in Professor Leslie Fedorchuk’s “The Creative Professional in Context” (the third-year writing requirement) are using their laptops to compose, revise and house their writing throughout the semester. As students discuss and practice creating a public, professional online presence, they view a variety of artists and designers who use the web to connect with their audience – and how they use writing in this process.
And seniors across all majors are already thinking about incorporating digital technology into their senior thesis project and a refined e-portfolio for entrance into a creative profession.
MIAD implemented its required Laptop Learning initiative college-wide this fall following extensive communication with new and current students and successful two-year pilot programs in two majors.
Laptops are required, and the college has recommended the 15” MacBook pro, but students are free to fulfill the laptop requirement with a PC if they wish as long as they meet the standards required in all of their classes.
Software requirements and prices are listed on openbook.miad.edu. Students who choose to meet software needs through other means similarly must meet the standards required in the classroom.
If students have questions about financing, they should see Carol Masse or Vicki Waschow in the Financial Aid office.
For technology questions, they should contact support.miad.edu and/or openbook.miad.edu
All software and hardware specs are listed by major/year on openbook.miad.edu
This information sheet has been distributed to all students to provide quick answers to their most frequently asked questions.
All of us at the college are here and ready to support your student’s digital learning.
David Martin, Provost