DETAIL
Mr Stephen Howard
Contact Details
Name: Mr Stephen Howard
Job Title: Course Manager FdA Animation
Address: Cornwall College, Camborne, Trevenson Road, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3RD
Tel: 01209 617649
Email: stephen.howard@cornwall.ac.uk
Work History
2006 to Present: Course Manager FdA Animation and lecturer on FdA Contemporary Creative practice/ND Media
2005 to 2006: Part time lecturer Cornwall College, freelance animator
2003 to 2005: Part time lecturer Cornwall College, freelance animator, non medical helper
2001 to 2003: Graphic Designer (CNDL Group)
1999 to 2001: Multimedia Designer (CNDL Group)
Research Details
I have recently completed my MA after deferring for a year. I was engaged with two modules of my Digital Media and Technology course. These were Adaptive Play and Synthesis. Both provided content that was used in my Thesis and final project.
I used the Synthesis module to explore and examine the use of Second Life (SL) as an educational tool. Analysing how immersion in virtual worlds can help develop learning experiences that are more engaging and dynamic than traditional lectures. I hope to make the teaching of theory-based subjects more interesting, using technology and environments that my students feel more comfortable with.
My students have always struggled with modules such as Contextual studies, mainly because they just don’t see the relevance to their chosen areas of study. This is something I am hoping to address within the virtual environment of Second Life.
As my students are from Animation and Multimedia they are familiar with being immersed in other worlds. I feel Second Life could be a useful tool to improve engagement in un popular subjects specifically those dealing with contextual or theory based agendas.
I have constructed a building within SL that I hope will act as a resource for the students. It contains links, content and imagery etc that will help them with their studies. It will also be a place in which to meet and discuss relevant topics, as well as a space in which to explore. From this base students will be able to visit other College Islands and areas of interest to view cyber artwork as well 3d models of architecture relevant to History of Design etc. I hope to expand its use to develop more interactive uses, specifically aimed at different approaches to theory-based lectures.
For the Adapt Play module I have to create a game that learns. I intend to look at this from a different angle to allow me to integrate my practice. My students just don’t see the links between History of Design and the creation of websites, animation, films, games, cyber media and other interactive forms of entertainment. To address this I have arranged a student space to be created within the Cornwall College Island (SL). This will be used as a testing ground for collaborative projects that will engage the students in theories behind design, as well as providing space for other 3d based assignments. Feedback loops generated by student ideas and practical experience will drive my prototype.
Stephen's details were last updated on 2nd Mar 2012
