Explore the world of digital photography! Digital Communications focuses on the basics of digital photography using Digital SLR Cameras, Adobe PhotoShop, and studio lighting. Students will also have introductory instruction of the history of photography, rules of composition, design and how the elements and principles of art/design apply to photography. Students will gain a working knowledge of camera handling, digital capture, and digital manipulation. Functions of the digital SLR camera are studied and applied to picture taking challenges. Students will learn how to use Photoshop to manipulate and creatively enhance their pictures. Compositional guidelines are presented, discussed, and applied to the student’s own work. Students will explore stop motion video and possibly a commercial for a new product. This course focuses on developing artistic behaviors know as the "habits of the mind" such as creativity, collaboration, flexibility and problem solving as well as working through the creative process.
DAILY SCHEDULE: At HA, In Person
Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Just like in sports, it is important to warm up for thinking and creating. Each day students will take 5 minutes to locate a photo online that describes their current mood - this can be one they have taken or one they find online. They will upload to Padlet with a one word title. This should be done independently as students enter the classroom. Thought and effort are expected as well as required.
Art Talk (15-30 minutes):
Art Talks will never last longer than 15-30 minutes. Topics for Art Talks include demonstrations of new materials and techniques, analyzing images, critiquing peer work, introducing historical and contemporary artists, etc. This time is very important during our time in the MacLab as I will be answering questions and showing your how to use functions on the camera, photoshop, as well as critique time.
Studio Time (45-60 minutes):
Students will have AT LEAST an hour each block to work on artwork and activities related to the Studio units. Studio time will be divided between working within a program (Photoshop, Illustrator, Spark) or curating photographs. Most photo taking will occur during your remote days. During this time students are expected to be exploring, researching, brainstorming, creating, and refining artwork. You may also use this time to work on your digital portfolio.
Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Just like in sports, it is important to warm up for thinking and creating. Each day students will take 5 minutes to locate a photo online that describes their current mood - this can be one they have taken or one they find online. They will upload to Padlet with a one word title. This should be done independently as students enter the classroom. Thought and effort are expected as well as required.
Art Talk (15-30 minutes):
Art Talks will never last longer than 15-30 minutes. Topics for Art Talks include demonstrations of new materials and techniques, analyzing images, critiquing peer work, introducing historical and contemporary artists, etc. This time is very important during our time in the MacLab as I will be answering questions and showing your how to use functions on the camera, photoshop, as well as critique time.
Studio Time (45-60 minutes):
Students will have AT LEAST an hour each block to work on artwork and activities related to the Studio units. Studio time will be divided between working within a program (Photoshop, Illustrator, Spark) or curating photographs. Most photo taking will occur during your remote days. During this time students are expected to be exploring, researching, brainstorming, creating, and refining artwork. You may also use this time to work on your digital portfolio.
DAILY SCHEDULE: REMOTE DAYS
Check Google Classroom:
Assigned work will be posted by 8am on your remote days. This work is designed to be completed before your Cohort days of live in person instruction. It is extremely important that you complete this work by the assigned date as it will prepare you for in class instruction days. As you complete your work remember to read and re-read (or watch and re-watch the videos) the directions to ensure that you understand and complete what you are being asked to do. Within your assignment you may be directed to a video, website, or document but it will all be clear what you are doing within the directions. If for what ever reason you are uncertain or have a question reach out to me via email or through Google Hangouts (see directions here).
Digital Cameras:
Since our movement within the building will be limited within our in person school days, it is important that you sign out your school camera to use while at home. The majority of your images will be taken during your remote days, this is a huge benefit for you as you are within your own element at home, which will provide for more creative photography instead of being limited with options while at school.
Check Google Classroom:
Assigned work will be posted by 8am on your remote days. This work is designed to be completed before your Cohort days of live in person instruction. It is extremely important that you complete this work by the assigned date as it will prepare you for in class instruction days. As you complete your work remember to read and re-read (or watch and re-watch the videos) the directions to ensure that you understand and complete what you are being asked to do. Within your assignment you may be directed to a video, website, or document but it will all be clear what you are doing within the directions. If for what ever reason you are uncertain or have a question reach out to me via email or through Google Hangouts (see directions here).
Digital Cameras:
Since our movement within the building will be limited within our in person school days, it is important that you sign out your school camera to use while at home. The majority of your images will be taken during your remote days, this is a huge benefit for you as you are within your own element at home, which will provide for more creative photography instead of being limited with options while at school.
GRADING INFORMATION
Units & Learning Objectives: Learning objectives are listed at the beginning of each unit. Objectives will be emphasized in activities throughout the unit and be discussed in a student/teacher conference at the end of each unit.
Digital Portfolio: Each student is required to keep an up to date digital portfolio of their high school art work. Portfolios must follow a common format but may also be customized for each student’s needs and personality. Only final artworks and artist statements are required to be posted.
Studio Habits: Studio habits include basic habits and mindsets shown in the art studio. Examples include participation in warm-up, art talks, ability to reflect. This grade also includes showing respect and responsibility to peers during critiques and regarding studio clean-up procedures.
Units & Learning Objectives: Learning objectives are listed at the beginning of each unit. Objectives will be emphasized in activities throughout the unit and be discussed in a student/teacher conference at the end of each unit.
Digital Portfolio: Each student is required to keep an up to date digital portfolio of their high school art work. Portfolios must follow a common format but may also be customized for each student’s needs and personality. Only final artworks and artist statements are required to be posted.
Studio Habits: Studio habits include basic habits and mindsets shown in the art studio. Examples include participation in warm-up, art talks, ability to reflect. This grade also includes showing respect and responsibility to peers during critiques and regarding studio clean-up procedures.
Grading Policy
The following is a breakdown of how each category grade is assessed:
THE ENGAGEMENT GRADE: This is a daily grade based on your engagement in what you are doing. This is not a participation grade as you can be participating, but not really learning anything. If you are engaged in your artwork, no matter the stage of your process, you are learning. The following chart shows what engagement looks like. You will receive a daily engagement grade during our studio time. Your weekly grade will be determined by an average of your daily grade.