| About the Grant: |
As part of a one semester course called Digital Expression, my students learned how to perform basic photo editing tasks on Photoshop. Their works are then displayed (with
permission) on an online, comment-enabled web gallery. Advanced students can progress to helping design the layout of the web gallery itself. |
| How This Grant was Adapted: |
This project-based unit plan enables students to learn in a variety of modalities. Interactive tutorials projected onto a digital display in class introduce the students to
the basic tools of MS Paint and then Photoshop, while students follow along on their own desktop computers. Guided and independent practice occurs after the tutorials, where the needs of
struggling students can be addressed through one-to-one tutoring. Instruction is differentiated for advanced students by offering them access to the school account on Lynda.com, a wonderful
reference library for interactive video tutorials.
In the second phase of the project (Day 4), students begin to complete their Potato Head Projects and a short tutorial on attaching files is done to instruct the students on how to send
their projects to the instructor, via their class Gmail accounts. Then, the instructor can easily construct a web gallery using a website creation tool. Students take pride in seeing their
published work and can critically (but respectfully) comment on each other's work through a free, web-based commenting platform such as JS-Kit. |
| Project URL |
The class website can be found here, in which links to class activities, syllabus, and classroom expectations
reside.
http://www.justinwedes.com/SBCHS
An example Mr. Potato Head Project gallery from a previous semester can be found here.
http://www.mrpotatoheadproject.com
|
| Objectives |
By the end of the unit, students will be able to
- Identify and navigate the basic toolbar of MS Paint and Photoshop
- Create simple, multi-layer Photoshop documents using in-built tools and material imported into the program such as Google images and their own photos and drawings
- Use various selection tools to isolate, copy, and copy-to-layer elements
- Successfully attach and send files by electronic mail, understanding the limits to sending large files
- Take pride in their work presented in an online web gallery and critically reflect on the work of their peers
|
| Websites Used |
http://gmail.com (free online email accounts for students)
http://lynda.com (subscription-based service available to our students)
Google Images: images.google.com |
| Standards Addressed: |
This unit addresses NYSATL Mathematics, Science and Technology Standards 1,2, 5 and 7 (High School
Level):
Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers,
and develop solutions.
Information Systems
Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.
Technology
Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human
and environmental needs.
Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and
make informed decisions. |
| Lessons: |
See website for activity descriptions and materials.
http://www.justinwedes.com/SBCHS/Digital_Expression.html |
