HOW IT WORKS
Computer Graphics was originally designed as
an adjunct to already-existing art courses.
Its primary goal is to enable all students,
regardless of their natural artistic abilities or
skills, to express themselves in a
technologically
based visual manner.
Projects such as story illustration or postal
stamp design encourage each of the
participants
to conduct their own interdisciplinary
research in order to make a visual statement.
While approaching solutions individually to
achieve their given project’s goals, the
students
learn how to use the various tools and
techniques of the computer graphics program
PhotoShop.
The students keep a daily journal to
encourage
language mastery and to reflect their own
ideas and concerns. As an enhancement, they
are encouraged to openly discuss the role of
visual media in society, using resources such
as advertising and visits to local museums. An
outgrowth of the museum visit is a broadening
of their awareness through art history, whether
past or contemporary. It is also of great benefit
for students to maintain and build an image
library for the classroom.
Since the course began, student attendance
and involvement has proliferated. This is
because the computer is a non-threatening
vehicle for expression. It has also
demonstrated
additional avenues of promise for the
career-oriented student, whether mainstream
or a recipient of special education.
THE STUDENTS
Initially designed for the high school student,
the course works well for almost every grade
level that is mature enough to operate a
keyboard
and remember the step-by-step process
of accomplishing computer tasks. The writing
components, such as the journals or essay
sections given while testing, greatly benefit the
students’ literacy skills.
THE STAFF
Lowell Shaw developed the curriculum for this
course in 1998. A Special Education teacher
for 15 years in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Shaw
was also the recipient of a Disseminator Grant
in 1989 for Airbrush, a painting course designed
for the Special Education population. Mr. Shaw
holds a BFA degree from Pratt Institute and an
MSE from the College of Staten Island. He is
the author of several articles for Airbrush
Action, a national arts magazine, and has had
numerous paintings published for the decor
industry. Mr. Shaw, aside from his teaching
responsibilities, is currently developing a
portfolio
of paintings for the non-commercial arts
arena.
WHAT YOU NEED
Computer Graphics requires a 486 or higher PC
with CD-ROM drive (IBM or Mac), a color
printer, a scanner, and, of course, the Adobe
PhotoShop software. Only one printer and
scanner are needed per classroom. Internet
access can be of great benefit, especially
when a student wishes to download imagery or
research a topic. A digital camera is desirable,
but optional. A visit to a local museum or
gallery is of great benefit. Guest speakers
can
include artists or those in the graphic arts
industry. These individuals often further a
student’s
understanding of the importance of the
arts and artistic vocations.
OVERALL VALUE
As stated previously, student involvement
grows exponentially, and literacy and
interdisciplinary
involvement strategies are strengthened.
Students who have demonstrated
language learning difficulties will find this
course especially helpful. It affords great
promise for personal and academic growth. |