[vet-mm] re: 2006 exam

[claire]

Matt,
Interesting to hear the thoughts of someone in the industry, fairly recently qualified in MM. 
When this topic has come up at VCAA briefings etc (and it has many times) the answer we are given is that the modules/competencies included in VCE VET MM reflect the requirements and needs of industry (and therefore, so does the structure of exam and assessment). 
I guess it depends on who you talk to in the industry! 
It's good to hear other points of view.
Claire Bloom
Warrandyte High



> Matt Ward <ezine at youthcentral.vic.gov.au> wrote:
> 
> I never had the chance to study multimedia in high school, nor am I a
> teacher teaching multimedia, so this years exam does not affect me
> personally, but I wanted to share my thoughts on some good points Peter
> raised. 
> 
>  
> 
> I completed my adv diploma in interactive multimedia a couple of years 
> ago
> at Victoria University. I commenced the course not having any prior
> knowledge of design or programming ability other than what I had taught
> myself over countless nights in front of the computer at home. What was
> surprising was the level of expectation of already acquired design 
> skills
> elsewhere. The design part (all aspects of good design and visual
> aesthetics) was really not touched on throughout the entire course. 
> Well,
> aspects were covered, but no where near enough that I felt qualified &
> confident enough to apply for a job afterward under the title of a 
> designer.
> 
> 
>  
> 
> Incidentally, I am now doing Computer Science at RMIT, because while I 
> felt
> that my while my design skills weren't bad, my programming was certainly 
> my
> strength.
> 
>  
> 
> Design should never be under-estimated. It is an area that is essential 
> to
> multimedia. Without design knowledge, you will always be stuck in the 
> rut of
> producing run of the mill - ordinary work, regardless of how polished 
> the
> back-end may be. I have seen it many times now, that the people who make
> excellent multimedia artists and those who have a solid understanding of
> design (coming from graphic/visual arts background) and can also adapt 
> to
> the programmatic side as well.
> 
>  
> 
> So to hear that only 1/5 of assessable material is design related is a 
> bit
> disappointing. I not having any design theory on the exam is even more 
> of a
> shame. It sends the message that design isn't important, which is wrong.
> 
>  
> 
> My 2 cents worth anyway
> 
>  
> 
> Matt Ward
> 
> Interactive Designer
> 
> Youthcentral, Department for Victorian Government
> 
>