Rich Media Projects

About the Initiative

Be sure to take a look at the table that compares the three different technology initiatives.

Planning is the key to success with any ambitious project. The first step for an intensive multimedia project is the formulation of a design document — a comprehensive plan that explains what the project is and how it will be realized. Often, writing a design document is the most challenging and critical phase of the entire project. Examples of design documents funded through the Center are available on the Center's website.

Therefore, this initiative consists of four distinct phases:

• Phase I: Writing a Design Document (planning)
• Phase II: Implementation (producing the media planned in Phase I.)
• Phase III: Evaluation (testing the product of Phase II and revising accordingly.)
• Phase IV: Continuous Support

Successful applicants will receive strong support from the Center (in the form of release time and consultation) for the important planning phase of their project. As a part of the planning process, participants will identify additional funding sources if necessary, as the Center can make no guarantee of monetary support for project implementation and evaluation beyond a modest stipend.

Note that funding for successive phases is contingent upon successful completion of the previous phase and subject to review by members of the Teaching, Learning and Technology Roundtable.

Completed design documents will be posted on the Center's website and may be submitted as a Phase II proposal.

Time Commitment

How much time does a rich media project take? More than you think! Phase I is approximately equivalent to teaching a three credit-hour course. Phase I participants are required to meet at least twice a week with the Center's Multimedia Artist. Regardless of phase, funded faculty are required to attend occasional meetings to share their progress and discuss emerging issues.

Proposal Guidelines

Faculty members should submit 5 copies of a one-page letter of interest to the Center. Please send a copy of this letter to your department chair as well.

The letter should describe the rich media product you wish to create. Paint in broad strokes; great detail is not necessary or even desirable at this stage. However, there is some basic information you should include:

• Include a tentative name for your product.
• Be sure to let us know what it is. For example, if you plan to create a website, say so; if you plan to create a CD-ROM, say so; if you have no idea what form the product will take, say so. (You'll figure it out as a part of the planning process.)
• Describe the product in general terms.
• Indicate what types of media the product will incorporate (e.g., text, images, video, audio, animation, databases).
• Explain what sort of interactivity the product will allow the user.

An excerpt from your letter may be used to announce awardees and to describe their projects. Since support for the first phase of these projects will take the form of one-quarter release time, you must include a signed statement of approval from your department chair.

Note: Groups of faculty who wish to work together should contact the Center for special consideration.

Center staff and faculty who have participated in this initiative in the past will review applications on a competitive basis. The review is not a blind review.

If you have any questions, contact Bart Everson at ext. 7512 or send an e-mail.

Deadline: September 7, 2004
Applicants will receive notification of the results in mid-September 2004.
A part of the August 2004 RFP Multipack.