1. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 1
INTERACTIVE MEDIA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
General Information & Guidelines
Subject to Change
Dates: Sept 6, 2016-June 8, 2017
Options
Morning: 7:30am-12:30pm (Mon-Wed)
Afternoon: 12:30-5:30pm (Mon-Wed)
Evening/Weekend: 5:30-10pm (T/Th) 8am-2:30pm (Sat)
Time Commitment: 15 classroom hours; plus 10 online hours = 25 hours per week
On behalf of the instructional and counseling team at North City Center, welcome! The IMCP
offers a unique, life-changing program that has earned an excellent reputation throughout our
community and beyond. The success of your educational journey depends on your commitment
to the course and the amount of time and energy you put forth. We have spent the last ten
years “fine-tuning” this program to make it what it is today. We take the job of educating you
very seriously; we ask for a 100% commitment in return.
The IMCP provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn skills and software currently
used by industry professionals. This program emphasizes a hands-on approach to planning,
production, and presentation and provides a valuable opportunity to produce a dynamic
portfolio to share with prospective clients and/or employers.
Students enrolled in the IMCP will learn how to plan and develop projects from concept
and design through production and delivery. Principles of design and composition are
implemented throughout the program. Students learn how to integrate color, type, and graphics
to convey information and make an impression.
Upon completion of the IMCP, students should have well-rounded portfolios including print,
multimedia and web design pieces ready to present to potential employers or clients.
Module 1: Print: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
Module 2: Multimedia: Sound, After Effects, Premier Pro
Module 3: Web Design: Flash, Dreamweaver
On-Line Component:
Students will need access to an internet connection to complete the required on-line portion of
the program. On-line instruction will include researching topics, taking quizzes, learning about
accessibility, writing assignments, and watching video tutorials to strengthen and reinforce what
is learned in class. Students will also do storyboards, thumbnails, and assignment proposals on-
line as well.

2. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 2
Module 1: Print Module
 PHOTOSHOP
Adobe Photoshop is a bitmap digital imaging and editing program that will enable
students to enhance images and create special effects for the web. Digital editing is
used to edit digital images and to create original artwork. The program includes
timesaving production techniques for this industry-standard image-editing program
which is used by print, multimedia and web professionals. The student will also learn
how to scan photos, create special filter effects, and incorporate photos and art into text
and layout applications. Adobe Photoshop is one of the most important graphic design
tools and is the world's leading image-editing program used by photographers,
designers and web professionals.
 ILLUSTRATOR
Using the Illustrator application, students can create vector graphics used for digital
design. This application is the premier postscript vector graphic program used to
create object-oriented images—which means students can create graphics with
smooth edges and small files. The student will learn about the leading vector
drawing program used by designers who appreciate the program’s precision tools to
produce high-quality logos, signs, illustrations, brochures, and packaging. It features
superior power and precision. Adobe Illustrator is the primary vector-based software
program used by professional graphic designers to create illustrations.
 INDESIGN
Students will learn important aspects of publishing for print in this section. InDesign
gives students the ability to design documents—including graphics and writing copy.
InDesign also helps design a professional resume and create a professional corporate
identity (or brand) and collateral materials. Adobe InDesign is the industry-standard
publishing application for print publications and interactive PDF documents.
 ACROBAT PRO
This program is the essential tool for universal document exchange. Acrobat
converts any document (including entire Web sites) into a PDF file, with its original
appearance preserved, and then distributes it for viewing and printing on any
system. Powerful markup tools make electronic review a snap, so students can
collaborate more easily and productively than ever before. Acrobat is the file format
used to FTP print files to printers.
 PORTFOLIO
Students will create and present a Print portfolio which includes completed projects in
Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and InDesign. In addition, students will
create an up-to-date resume, business card, and stationery package.

3. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 3
Module 2: Multimedia Module
 SOUND
Students will learn the basics of sound-based editing software using Garage Band.
GarageBand is an easy to use yet professional audio application designed for musicians
and sound editors to create and edit their own masterpieces. Creating custom sounds
and applying unique sound elements and enhancements to projects would be an asset
to any company.
 AFTER EFFECTS
After Effects software delivers a comprehensive set of tools to efficiently
produce motion graphics and visual effects for film, video, multimedia, and
the Web. Students can explore unlimited creative possibilities while working in a 2D or
3D compositing environment. After Effects has the capability to animate static images,
further enhance presentations and take media still images, animations, video clips and
Flash movies to compose them into a single video, adding effects and altering the
nature of the images (and sounds) in a variety of different ways.
 PREMIERE PRO
Adobe Premiere is the video editing industry standard application with tools
that make editing video both easy for the novice and powerful for the
professional. Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing software
application. It is part of the Adobe Creative Suite, a suite of graphic design, video editing
and web development programs. Students will learn how to capture and import video
and audio and edit and export video to various offline or web formats.
 PORTFOLIO
Students will create a CD or iDVD Multimedia Portfolio that include completed projects in
Sound, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro.

4. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 4
Module 3: Web Design Module
 ANIMATE
Adobe Edge Animate, formerly known as simply Adobe Edge, is a web development
tool developed by Adobe Systems that uses HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3 functionality.
In 2011, Adobe announced the development of Edge as a new multimedia authoring
tool to succeed the Flash platform for browser-delivered content, and released a preview
version of the software. Edge builds applications based on a foundation of HTML5,
JavaScript, jQuery and CSS3.
 INTERNET / XHTML / CSS
Learn how to create a web page. Topics may include the actual Hyper Text Markup
Language tags used to create Web pages, important concepts and terms; appropriate
file formats, naming conventions, and organizational skills. Students will also learn
critical evaluation of Web sites and gain an understanding of the Web creation
process.
 DREAMWEAVER
Students will learn the visual web design application that industry professionals
choose to develop Web sites, automate production, and enhance team efficiency. Word
Press / Dreamweaver can be customized using HTML, CSS and JavaScript—giving
students the power they need for rapid Web development. Students will learn additional
time saving production techniques with this high-end visual Web design program.
 PORTFOLIO
For the final IMCP-FT assignment students will create a Portfolio website created in
Flash / Dreamweaver for on-line viewing.
Noncredit to Credit Career Pathways (formerly known as Articulation)
The San Diego Community College District is committed to developing programs that allow
Continuing Education (CE) career technical education (CTE) students to earn college credit for
comparable college courses. The goal of the CE Credit by Exam Program is to develop and
maintain formal agreements between the college campuses and CE that outline the
requirements for students to earn college credit by successfully completing the CE CTE courses
and a college exam. The agreement is under review from year to year and may or may not be
offered every year. See Lynda Reeves for more information.
Potential Changes
We reserve the right to make changes as deemed necessary throughout the school year.
Students will be informed in the classroom, by email and/or through Blackboard.
Calendar
To learn about days off during the school year, refer to the link provided on
http://faculty.sdce.edu/lynda-reeves

5. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 5
Project-related information:
1. Following Instructions and Teamwork
One of the most important factors to success in the workplace (and life!) is the ability to
follow instructions. Our teachers lament that sometimes students don’t follow very simple
instructions! Paying attention while the instructor is lecturing is paramount to being
successful in this class!
Some projects require teamwork and research. The instructor will provide instructions for
each project. Listen carefully! Most projects will require:
 Printed folder, including: thumbnails and/or flowcharts
 Digital folder, including: the project file(s), a statement of purpose (1 page typed)
 Presentation – students will present their project(s) to the other students
2. File Management: Back up
Students must back up their work regularly! This is the student’s responsibility.
Losing hours of work is a nightmare, particularly if a deadline is looming. The Mac has
DVD/CD burning capabilities for backup. Or, use an external hard drive or thumb drive.
Be sure to have your NAME on all the cds, DVDs and external devices brought to class.
Several CDs or a thumb drive--one for files, one for back up, and one for shuttling files--
will be one of the best investments a student can make.
3. Notebook:
It is recommended that students keep a notebook containing all handouts, class notes,
storyboards and thumbnail sketches. Multimedia is a dynamic field; education in
multimedia is also dynamic. By saving handouts and class notes in a personal notebook,
students create their own IMCP-FT textbook—which also helps students stay organized.
4. Materials:
Some students have found it helpful to collect the following items to use during class: 3-
ring binder, sketch book, external drive and/or thumb drive, headphones, colored
markers, colored pencils, black sharpie and a small pad tracing paper. Your teacher will let
you know what items you will need and when you will need them.
Attendance Required to Earn Certificates
Daily attendance and punctuality are required in this program. Students who cannot commit to
daily attendance, on-time arrival, and/or staying for the class duration should consider taking
individual classes instead.
Students who miss more than 10% of the hours in any module (excused and/or unexcused
absences) no longer qualify to earn a certificate. After three consecutive absences in a month or
three absences in a row, the instructor may drop the student from the class.

6. Revised 9/15/2016(G:DataShared FilesIMCPOrientation Packet Page 6
Student Commitment
This intense course encompasses weekly lessons and assignments requiring a serious
commitment of time and energy from both students and instructors. Students should plan time
each week to experiment with new techniques, complete weekly assignments, meet deadlines,
absorb daily lectures, and study/critique the work of other students. From the perspective of
students who have completed this program in the past, taking vacations and/or committing to
other intense coursework while you are enrolled in this class is not recommended.
Financial Aid for the IMCP
As of January, 2012, financial aid is no longer available in certificate programs offered through
San Diego Continuing Education. Students who have financial aid loans can no longer get their
loans deferred while attending certificate programs through Continuing Education. Financial aid
opportunities continue to be available at Mesa, City, and/or Miramar College.
Disability:
If you have a verified disability that may necessitate special accommodations, please make an
appointment to see our DSP&S counselor, Katie Serbian, by calling 619.388.1800. Katie can also
be reached at kserbian@sdccd.edu. Proof of disability from your physician will be required.
VOTER REGISTRATION:
Students made a huge impact in our last election. If you are not registered to vote, please
consider registering on-line today by following this link: tinyurl.com/reg2voteonline
UNEMPLOYMENT:
If you are receiving unemployment and wish to learn how your benefits may continue for the
duration of the program, please contact your local EDD Rep, www.edd.ca.gov, or call 1-800-
300-5616. For any questions regarding verification of registration and attendance in any of our
classes, please contact our registrar (619) 388-1800.
NOTE: If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits, it will be in your best interest to
obtain EDD’s approval prior to entering any vocational training program so that you do not
jeopardize your benefits.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASS:
During the orientation, you will be provided with date(s) to return your completed application
packet. Write these dates down on the slip of paper provided. Due to the volume of students
interested in our certificate programs, it is IMPERATIVE to return your application packets on
the dates provided in the orientation in order to be considered for the program. If you cannot
return the packet at the times/dates provided in the orientation, please contact Lynda Reeves
prior to the drop-off dates.
Application packets are not accepted electronically. Incomplete application packets will not be
considered. Part of being successful in a certificate program requires students to follow written
and verbal instructions. Please be sure to follow the instructions provided in the orientation.