
Company location:
Satellite Education Network & Interactive Technologies
Western Illinois University
101, Horrabin Hall
Macomb, IL 61455
20 full-time. 10 of the employees work in multimedia development.
Design and Authoring for the World Wide Web, CD-ROM production, Presentations, video production, and workshops. The majority of the projects are educational. Some of the videos I am working on are for promotional purposes.
No day is the same, But, there are several steps followed on the beginning of any new project. And of course, it depends on the project. If it's a CD-ROM project, then the first step is to have a meeting (often more than one) with the content people, graphic artists, authoring people, video producer, etc. and discuss the project. In a later stage of the project, depending on my responsibilities for that project, the day might move in different directions.
I believe that probably one of the most important skills needed for multimedia development, is to be a good team player. Good work is usually a result of good team work. In order to be a good team player you need to have strong communication and social skills.
Now, the rest of the skills needed depend on what your primary responsibility will be in a team. Graphic design principles, message design and communication principles, creativity, learning theories, instructional design, video production skills, and authoring skills are all important. Nobody can be an expert in all the areas. Still, I found out that it is very helpful to know a little bit about everything, and being focused on one area. For example, if your area of interest/strength is Instructional Design, being familiar with the other areas is also important because it gives you a quick view of the limitations and restrictions, what can be done, and what is impossible, how much time will be needed, etc., which are all important for the instructional planning and development process.
I was a graduate student at Western and at the same time a graduate assistant at the Satellite Network. I completed my Masters this last December in Instructional Technology and Telecommunications and I am waiting to hear from the Ph.D. programs I have applied for Fall 1996. I was offered the job for 6 months. So, I thought to gain some practical experience before moving on.
I would say that, apart from learning the theoretical background and principles of their area of interest, it would help them a lot to get used to working in teams on actual projects.
last update 21 July 1996 by eboling@indiana.edu
Instructional Systems Technology,
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
URL = http://www.indiana.edu/~iirg/ARTICLES/working/vrasidas.html