MEDI program blends robotics and animation for a new entertainment experience

TORONTO, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - Imagine a future where innovations in robotics technology, mobile Internet and 3D cinematic storytelling could be integrated into one mind-blowing entertainment or media experience. It's not science fiction, but a reality that's just around the corner at Centennial College.

Launching in January 2010, the Media Engineering Design Integration (MEDI) post-graduate program will focus on the design, production and management of tomorrow's media products and applications for wireless devices, interactive museum and retail installations, digital signage systems and more.

"This program will help build a new future for the media sector and create a need for careers that we never dreamed possible 10 years ago," says Nate Horowitz, Dean of the School of Communications, Media and Design. "Toronto is ideally positioned to take advantage of this new era in media, given its proximity to a number of integrating sectors in media, design, technology and engineering, creating an energetic and cross-connecting creative hub."

Courses will be comprehensive in scope, ranging from an introduction to media engineering, to design for web and mobile devices, to understanding the marketing cycle. Classroom and lab work will be complemented by an industry field placement. Most importantly, the program will prepare students to think entrepreneurially and to thrive in an environment of constant change and progress.

"In new-media publishing, we are constantly adapting our content development processes to implement new technology," says Lynn Shannon, Director of Online Operations, Consumer Publishing Group, Rogers Media. "MEDI will provide graduates with the essential experience of working with cross-functional teams that are found in the workplace, supplying them the skills and flexibility to lead hybrid teams and develop new solutions."

MEDI is offered jointly by Centennial's School of Communications, Media and Design and the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science. For more information, please visit: www.centennialcollege.ca/thecentre/medi.

For further information: Media Contact: Paul Koidis, Manager, Communications, Marketing and Development, [email protected], [phone] ext. 8609