Technology is rapidly changing our world and Humber College is offering a new program designed to help learners understand how technology shapes the ways we live, create and work.
Humber launched the Interactive Media Management – Creative Technologies Ontario Graduate Certificate program this fall.
The program has learners use technology for creative outcomes through multi-disciplinary projects and rapid prototyping. Rooted in the user-experience principle of human-centred design, students explore how technologies — such as augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things — can improve people’s experiences across a variety of industries.
The hope is that the program helps learners fuel their creativity and strategic thinking skills to develop solutions.
Professor David Neumann noted the course isn’t about the study or use of technology for technology’s sake. Instead, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of the technology that can be applied for the betterment of others.
“We wanted to provide a space to be creative because there’s no innovation without creativity, and if we have no innovation, we’re never challenging the status quo,” said Faculty of Media and Creative Arts professor Julia Le Clair. “This program is designed to empower our learners to explore and build knowledge by taking risks and embracing challenges."
In the first semester, students will be introduced to a broad range of technologies before focusing on a specific project in the second semester. This builds towards a capstone project that’s compatible with the technologies they have explored.
So, who’s the program for? Well, basically everyone, said Ahmed Raza Sagarwala, associate dean, Interactive Design at Humber. If you have identified an issue or problem that exists and want to do something about it, this could be the program for you, he said.
“This program is for individuals who aren’t afraid to ask the question why,” added Le Clair.
Neumann said the program appeals to those from a variety of industries and backgrounds due to the ubiquity of technology. He used the example of an architect who could study augmented reality or drones and how they could be applied to their industry.
“We’re looking at how you creatively leverage technology for social good and also professional good as well,” said Neumann.
The program is also being positioned as a PhD and master's preparatory program. The idea is to allow learners to explore the technology, and potentially deal with setbacks and make mistakes in a course that’s designed for them, prior to continuing their higher education journey.
Neumann noted that there are many potential career routes for graduates with a variety of businesses and organizations while adding that the graduates can also return to their previous industries with new skills that will help them better leverage emerging technologies in their professional careers.
More information can be found on the Interactive Media Management – Creative Technologies webpage.