Riding on what seems to many as the wave of the future, SF State's multimedia studies program offers students an in-road to the ever-changing technological advances.
The program, a part of the College of Extended Learning in downtown San Francisco, is considered a new form of education, entertainment, training and communication in which students can keep up with the latest developments in the computer industry and keep themselves one step ahead of everyone else.
Students in the program receive training through classes such as basics for different computer programs, producing video CD-ROM, virtual reality, 3-D, interactive video and the Internet. There are more than 80 courses taught within the program and almost 2,000 students enroll in it each semester.
"I work full time here in the Financial District so I take whatever night courses are being offered because the things I'm learning help me to keep up with my job," said Joe McGraff, a legal secretary.
The program continues to keep up with the changing world of computers by offering a variety of courses in what seems to be the most popular technological advances, including the Internet.
The program's founding director, Robert Bell, established the multimedia studies program in the summer of 1992. Due to illness, he was recently replaced by Randall Packer, artistic director of the Zakros Inter-Arts/New Music Theatre in San Francisco.
The multimedia studies program gives students a certificate of completion when they finish the required courses. According to the summer registration book, the certificate helps prepare students for creative positions and it shows a dedication to a career in some aspect of multimedia to potential employers.
In order to receive the certificate, students must complete a minimum of 30 continuing education units (CEU), which includes a minimum of eight core classes and four electives. The program also helps students find internships and jobs with the skills they have learned.
One of the new courses offered called survey of interactive advertising, teaches students about basic advertising skills and interactive advertising efforts. This training prepares students for a job in an advertising agency that uses the interactive system.
"Advertising is expanding with new technologies and I think that it's crucial for anyone who is in the business to learn these things as soon as they develop," according to advertising executive Michelle Bonaventura.
The majority of courses are taught by people who work full time in the industry and are actively involved in multimedia groups and organizations.
"I think the courses are fabulous and San Francisco State has a great program, but I can't afford all the classes I want to take. If I have to take one or two courses a semester, then I'll do it," said multimedia studies student Jason Lee.
The cost of the courses also takes into consideration the amount of equipment used and the technological detailing of the course. Most of the hands-on courses include a $50 material fee, which provides each student with access to the computer labs. The cost of each course can range from $85 to $525 depending on the type of course, what it covers and the materials involved, according to College of Extended Learning student assistant Richelle Williams.
"I think that it's essential to offer some of the multimedia courses here on campus because I know that students would take them and they wouldn't have to go all the way to downtown to benefit," said business major Jeff Leung.