Agenda September 30 - Continue Photoshop Demos

You all did a great job last class with the first presentations. We will get through as many as we can today and finish the rest on Tuesday. I think you are doing an excellent job as teachers for the class and if you are the "student" make sure you are learning how to use the tools so you can use them on your projects.

Agenda September 28 - Begin PS Demonstrations

I'll give you about half the class to perfect your demonstration and then we will do the first 3-4 demos. If you have a picture you need to share with the class in order to edit it, you can paste the link in the comments section of the sign up sheet.

Agenda September 26 - Photoshop Demo Work Day

Today you and your partner(s) will work on the demonstration you will be giving to the class on your topic. We will begin the demos about halfway through next class, so you'll have another half class to work on it. As an additional resource to the directions I've shared with you already, I have a Photoshop CS5 book that I just purchased on my desk if you'd like to take a look at it. Some of the tutorials build upon each other, so if you are having trouble with any of your directions, see if any of the other tutorials will help you. If you didn't bring any pictures today to use...go to flikr.com and do an Advanced Search for pictures with a Creative Commons license that you can use without permission.

I've embedded the rubric for the assignment below. Please DON'T fill it out and submit it. I've embedded it just so you can see the criteria.

Agenda September 21 - Photoshop Introduction & Demonstration Project

Today we will actually open Photoshop CS5 and look at the work space. I'm going to show you around and then you all will do some teaching yourself!

For my demonstration you will need to download and save this picture. Don't worry, its in the Public Domain so we can do what we want with it!

You will then sign up for a topic to demonstrate from the list shared with you in Google Docs. You aren't totally in the dark because I've also shared some detailed directions for each of you to learn about your topic before you demonstrate it! (look for a Collection I shared with you)

You'll be able to work on your demonstration next class, too. Then on Sept 28 we will start presenting to the class. If you need a picture to help you demonstrate to the class how to use the tool, make sure you only use pictures you have the right to use. Come up with a way to share the picture with the class so they can use it during your demonstration.

Don't forget that Blog #4 is due on Sunday night. Have a nice long weekend!

Agenda September 19 - Elements of Photography and Blog #4

Today is the start of a new unit! I know you've all been waiting anxiously to use Photoshop and I promise next class you will get to use it. Today we'll talk about Digital Photography and how you take a good picture. You have to start out with a decent picture...some things just can't be fixed! I have shared a presentation with several examples in your Google Docs.

Homework will be Blog Entry #4. This is due by midnight on Sunday, Sept 25. Using your digital camera (if you don't have one, borrow one), take three photos that demonstrate any three of the elements described today in class. You should take these pictures yourself, not use someone else's picture or one you get from the Internet. In your blog, explain which element you are depicting (more explanation is necessary than just writing "Simplicity" under the picture.) Try not to simply recreate the examples I showed you. Have fun with this and enjoy taking pictures for homework!

A few notes on your digital camera...please turn off the date and time stamp so we don't have to take the time to edit it out later. Also, most cameras have a grid you can turn on to help you with the Rule of Thirds.

Copyright Info for Amateur Photographers!

I found this article yesterday and thought it was a great connection between what we just discussed about Copyright Law and the unit on photography that we will be starting next week!

Agenda September 15 - Scenario Test and Listen to Podcasts

After you take the test we will listen to the Podcasts that your groups created! The ones I've heard so far are great, and I can't wait to hear them after making a few improvements! Remember that Blog Entry #3 is due at midnight tonight.

Next class we will start talking about Photography and moving into Graphic Design. If you own a digital camera, please bring it to class with you on Monday.

Agenda September 13 - Podcast Check and Test Review

Today is the final day to work on your Podcast. I want to listen to each group's project before you finalize it so I can make sure it is good enough to post on your blog. It must be uploaded to Google Docs and the URL posted to your blog by Thursday at Midnight. Don't forget to answer the questions as listed on Blog Entry #3.

Thursday we will also be taking a test over Copyright and Piracy that is all scenarios. I'll give you a scenario and you'll tell me whether its legal or illegal and why. I've shared a review sheet with you in your Docs.

Blog Entry #3 - Creating your own Copyrighted Podcast

In this entry you want to post the hyperlink to the podcast that your group created and uploaded to your Google Docs. You also want to post the graphic you created to go along with your podcast. Don't forget there are directions to upload your podcast to Google Docs in the Garageband tutorial that I shared with you.

Please then answer the following questions completely and thoughtfully. You may work together with your group to answer the first one, but the other two should be answered individually.

1. If this music and graphic was not completely your original work, describe in detail the sources you used and why you are abiding by copyright laws in the way you are using it. (fair use, public domain, etc.) (answer as a group)

2. Answer these Essential Questions: (answer on your own)

a. Is downloading music wrong?

b. Should copyright laws exist?

c. Why is piracy so prevalent in our society?

3. How would you feel if someone used your graphic or podcast without your permission? (answer on your own)

This blog entry is due by midnight on Thursday, September 15.

Piracy Podcast Project Timeline

Today is the first of three work days on your Piracy Podcast. Here's the timeline for the next few class days.
Today, Sept 7, and Sept 9: Work on Piracy Project
Sept 13: I will review your work and make sure it is good enough to post on your blog. You should have it at least 95% finished when you come into class that day. We will also review for a Copyright Scenario test.
Sept 15: Copyright Scenario Test

Don't forget you can check out iPods and iTalks from the library if you want to record outside of class time.

You are welcome to use your own iPods as well. There is a feature on most new iPods and all iPhones called "Voice Memos" that works the same as the iTalks and our old iPods we have here at school. You can record, email it to yourself, import into iTunes and drag easily into Garageband!!! Much easier than the old iPods!