Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 37: Computer-Aided Graphic Design (Core)

Suggested time: 10-15 hours
Level: Introductory
Prerequisite: Module 35

Foundational Objectives

To foster an awareness of quality as it pertains to image development and production.
To increase self-esteem from success with the production equipment, materials and techniques used.
To examine the effect of the elements and principles of design in graphic design.
To use digital technology in the production of a graphic design.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objective

To enable students to understand and use the vocabulary, structures and forms of expression related to graphic arts. (COM)
To develop the ability to read about, understand and develop skills related to the use of computer equipment. (COM)
To provide students with opportunities for active involvement in preparing graphic designs. (IL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
37.1 To demonstrate the use of a variety of tools and commands used in design programs. (TL)	Review the manuals or computer tutorial with the students so that they become familiar with the vocabulary and the techniques required to use the program. Topics to cover include the use of tools, drawing paths, selecting and editing objects, painting, transformation tools and filters. It can be a valuable experience for students to explore the tools and features of a program before reviewing the manuals or tutorials. Students may be assigned different tools or features to explore and to explain to their classmates. This is valuable experiential learning that tends to make students more receptive to reading program manuals.
37.2 To describe different types of graphics programs (desk-top publishing) used in the industry. (COM)	Have the students collect examples of different programs that are in current use in the graphics industry. Program types to include are painting, drawing, type manipulation and image manipulation. Page layout applications are important as well. These programs are designed to bring together diverse elements created by other applications.
37.3 To create a simple graphic using computer software. (TL, CCT)	Have students review the tutorials and manuals that come with the software before they build their own graphic. Have the students complete a graphic of a cube, a three-dimensional number or letter, a simple car, etc.
37.4 To define terms used with electronic design. (COM)	Have the students research Internet sites for different design terms used for different design problems.
37.5 To use word processing software to create a word document. (COM, IL)	Students will benefit from being familiar with word processing software so that they can create a document that uses a variety of type styles and fonts. Have the students discuss different font styles and sizes and where the different styles might be appropriate. Consider working collaboratively with teachers of other courses such as Journalism Studies, Computer Production Technology or Information Processing to create posters, newspapers, T-shirts, etc.