This presentation introduces a PhD programme on Digital Media Arts (DMAD) by Universidade Aberta and Universidade do Algarve, supported by the Research Center in Arts and Communication (CIAC), and explains how expressiveness is explored to its maximum extent through computer graphics, digital sound and music, computer vision, digital storytelling, virtual reality, amongst other technologies, in the context of Open and Distance Education. Through a blended learning approach students explore techniques of artistic expression in order to generate new media applications, products, narratives, games and aesthetic experiences in such areas as the cultural industries, education and entertainment. DMAD info: http://www2.uab.pt/guiainformativo/eng_detailcursos.php?curso=65 CIAC info: https://ciac.pt/en

1. Digital Media Arts in Open
and Distance Education
Universidade Aberta, Portugal
José Bidarra

2. Who are we?
 Research Center on Arts and Communication (CIAC
- University of Algarve)
 Research Group: Computer Arts and Creative Media
is a unit of CIAC located at Universidade Aberta (the
Portuguese Open university)
 This group started its activities on March 2014
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

3. Human Resources
 CIAC Coordinator: Mirian Tavares (UAlg)
 Group Coordinator: Adérito Marcos (UAb)
 34 integrated members;
 97 collaborating members;
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

4. General Objectives
 This research group aims at researching both
computer arts and media technologies together
with the design of user experiences as a way to
develop innovative artistic, intercultural and social
end-user scenarios;
 This research group seeks to extend and comprehend
the boundaries of arts, technology, culture,
entertainment and education.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

5. Specific Objectives
 To produce world-class research and artistic experimental
results in order to become an international reference in the
areas addressed by our research programs;
 To consolidate the role of multi-disciplinary research as a key
driver for our own work, and especially for the structuring of our
collaboration networks;
 To collaborate with other players in academia, industry and
society to create sustainable, long-term infrastructures from
which new communities of practice and open innovation
may emerge, possibly within the framework of living labs.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

6. Specific Objectives
 To establish international links by integrating long-term
international research initiatives, participating in training
networks, and in the organization of events;
 To consolidate and internationalize our advanced study
activities, both at MSc and PhD level, in order to sustain
our own need for high-quality researchers and contribute
towards the availability of professionals with competences in
this area;
 To establish a word-class repository of digital
media/storytelling/game artefacts which may be exploited as
valued assets for different applications.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

7. Research Activities
 Prototype new computer-based artistic concepts that
explore novel technological approaches and enable new
experiencing opportunities.
 Deploy new computer-based/digital artifacts in real
world artistic, cultural, entertaining and educational
situations to gain a more thorough understanding of their
application/experiencing contexts.
 Design, develop and study artistic, cultural, educational,
entertainment or daily life situations that promote a
space for reflection, experimentation and exchange
of ideas about the role of technology and stimulate
creative thinking.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

8. Advanced Studies
 Doctorate and master programs:
 Doctorate in Digital Media-Arts (DMAD)
 Master in Graphic and Audiovisual Expression (MEGA)
 Aiming to explore expressiveness to its maximum extent
through computer graphics, digital sound and music,
computer vision, digital storytelling, virtual reality,
amongst other technologies.
 Ultimately leading to the exploration of techniques of
artistic expression in order to generate new media
applications, products, narratives, games and aesthetic
experiences in such areas as the cultural industries,
education, entertainment.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

9. Blended Learning (PhD)
 A two year study plan for online instruction
(curricular units) and another year for thesis writing;
 A very intensive one week residential programme
with workshops, classes, art installations, video
presentations and special events.
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

10. Residential Programme
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

11. Development of Artifacts
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019
Mário Dominguez

12. Development of Artifacts
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019 Teresa Barradas

13. Video Mapping
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019 Rudolfo Quintas

14. Digital games
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

15. Augmented Reality
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019
José Gomes & Cristina Gomes

16. Transmedia Storytelling
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

17. eBook Projects
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

18. Creative Commons copyright
licenses
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

19. International Events
 ARTECH 2012
 University of Algarve
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

20. International Events
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

21. Other Exhibitions
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

22. Book Publishing
 Desenvolver uma linha editorial
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

23. Cross media platform
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

24. CIAC online
 www.ciac.pt
 https://www.facebook.com/ciac.ualg?ref=hl
 www.crossmediaplatform.ciac.pt
 VIDEO
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019

25. Jose.bidarra@uab.pt
José Bidarra, Universidade Aberta, 2019