Among the many under-utilized new resources in the Mattin Center is the Digital Media Center. It affords students the opportunity to use cutting-edge digital technology for both academic and nonacademic pursuits.
The Digital Media Center has 12 high-end Dell and Apple computers with software that enables, among other things, digital video editing, Web site creation, animation, photo and image manipulation, virtual drawing and painting. The digital music suite contains a state-of-the-art composition, recording and editing system complete with synthesizers, keyboards, effects processing and digital recording. The video suite has a professional editing system able to digitize, edit and create transitions, effects and titles. Equipment such as video cameras, light and sound kits, cables and assorted peripherals can be checked for free. There are also the latest equipment designs by Macintosh for your use. The wide-screen, flat monitor that you only see on commercials or in high-tech facilities is one of the first things you will encounter when you walk through the door.
The Center and all of the equipment there can be used for free by any Homewood-based student. Instruction in the forms of book/CD-based tutorials, workshops and one-on-one instruction is available. A variety of workshops on digital audio and video production, 3-D modeling and animation, web portfolios and music videos are periodically offered. Students can be certified to check out equipment through participation in workshops. Students must also be registered to use the equipment in the center. During Intersession workshops on music video production, creation of web portfolios and 3-D modeling and animation will be offered. Students must register soon, because classes offered during Intersession fill up quickly. To sign up for one of the regularly offered class, go to the Digital Media Center where sign-up sheets are on the front desk.
Staff at the Center emphasized that it was available for both academic and nonacademic uses. Kira Hammond, the video specialist at the Digital Media Center, said, "We really encourage people to come in here and have fun. We offer an opportunity for students to expand their horizons and try something new."
Many of the employees are very knowledgeable and are available to help students using the center. There has been a concerted effort at the center to try and make it as user-friendly as possible.
Many student activity groups on campus are beginning to utilize the center in many capacities. The Black and Blue Jay, the on-campus humor magazine, is now entirely produced there. Undergraduates working on research projects as part of the Woodrow Wilson Fellows program have also used the Center extensively. It is an excellent resource for students to use in academic and nonacademic capacities.
As the Center continues to grow, they anticipate inviting guest artists to display their work, offer seminars and master classes. For those students interested in more intensive programs then are currently offered at the Digital Media Center, information about classes at MICA and Peabody is posted.
The Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.. More information about the Digital Media Center can be obtained at http://digitalmedia.jhu.edu.
You can also access the Digital Media Center site through http://jhu.dailyjolt.com. They also post the latest up-and-coming classes that the experts at the Digital Media Center are offering Hopkins students.
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