A group of undergraduate and graduate students majoring in electronic art and animation created the podcasts, which can be downloaded for free and include a variety of converted video and animation works. Not only do the pieces showcase their individual efforts, but they also promote one of Ball State's newest, cutting-edge programs, said John Fillwalk, associate professor of electronic art.

"Anyone, such as prospective students and parents, can go to the iTunes store and view digital artworks that share the talents of our students," he said. "These types of innovative projects, as well as others involving high-definition video, interactivity and 3-D animation, will be part of Ball State's new Institute for Digital Intermedia."

The institute will be an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment that will explore the intersections of art and technology. It will be one of several immersive-learning centers on campus that will be established as part of the Digital Exchange, the $20 million digital media initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. that will help Ball State build one of the most technologically advanced digital educational environments in the nation.

The podcasts, which will be periodically updated, allow students to quickly share ideas both locally and globally. To view the works, users need to download and install iTunes on their computer. Once installed, users should search "BFA in Electronic Art" and select a student work to view. Users can subscribe to the free podcasts to receive new content as it is updated or download works a la carte.

Past courses helped shape the parameters of what can be offered via the podcasts. Previously, students addressed the ubiquitous nature of wireless video, mobility and the limitations of small personal viewing environments. The ideas that worked best were ones that were developed specifically for handhelds like the video iPod with their close viewing distances and small screens.

Seeing his students thrive in their efforts assures Fillwalk that these projects and the creation of the institute is the right direction for Ball State.

"This institute will help put the university at the forefront of the digital media industry," he said. "Our efforts will center on a digital studio environment that will immerse students in the production of 3-D animation, video and interactive art and connect them with regional, national and international partnerships through programs, internships and careers."

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Fillwalk at jfillwalk@bsu.edu or (765) 285-2642.)