Multimedia Technology An Opportunity For Modern Engineering Education

The last few years have seen an exponential growth of multi-media applications on the Internet. Video and audio data, is now in high demand as it can be delivered in a cost-effective manner via the Internet and CD-ROMs. Multimedia has its roots in network and computer technology but represents the convergence of a wide range of disciplines. There are considerable job opportunities in this field within Australia however the requirements are typically based on a creative arts background. The result within Australia is a proliferation of degrees in multi-media lacking a strong engineering basis. A possible danger with this approach is that it can lead to an ‘applications’ based education. An analysis of students on the Multi-media degree at Edith Cowan University (ECU) found that most students had a good knowledge of multi-media products and their use, however they appeared to lack the depth of technical knowledge necessary to make professional judgments with respect to equipment selection and performance. Furthermore, most of the students interviewed wanted greater technical knowledge and associated workshops directly relevant to their field of study. Research at ECU has found that the traditional approach to teaching computer and network technology fails to meet the expectations of students from a range of disciplines. Accordingly a new curriculum was designed to meet this demand. This paper presents details of this new curriculum and suggests that this represents an opportunity for a closer cooperation in the development of computer technology and multi-media education.