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What is Media Computation?

Media Computation involves taking the individual pixels of an image or the individual bytes of a sound and  using programming to manipulate them to create a new or modified image or sound.  There are a number of ways that this can be done, but here we will be using an environment called JES (Jython Environment for Students).  Jython is a version of Python that is implemented in Java.  Normally Python is implemented in C.  Jython lets us do multimedia that will work across multiple computer platforms. Jython is a real programming language that can be used for serious work.

We will use Jython through a special environment called JES, free software designed to make Jython easier for students to use.  Most programs that you write in Jython will also work in Python.

Why Do Media Computation?  Why not just use Photoshop?

Media computation is also a different and interesting way to learn important Computer Science concepts.

Digital media are manipulated with software like Photoshop. Media computation helps you understand how such programs work, so that you can transfer what you have learned from one program to another. 

As a user of media you should understand how media can be manipulated, to know what’s real and what could be just a trick. If you know the basics of media computation, you have an understanding that goes beyond what any individual tool provides.

Tools You Will Need

All the tools you need are free!  For the windows installation you only need to download and copy JES3.0 from  http://coweb.cc.gatech.edu/mediaComp-plan/94  

(This will give you the Java runtime environment and Jython as well as the Jython environment for students)

Simply download the zip file and then unzip to a directory of your own choice.

This page has been produced by Margaret Meijers.  Questions concerning its content may be directed by email to margaret.meijers@education.tas.gov.au.  This page was last modified on Tuesday, 20 May 2008. The URL for this page is http://www.mindtools.tased.edu.au/media_computation/default.htm .

 
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