Standards III

Task Appropriate Tools in Problem-Solving

Use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

I have learned so much in this online environment. I am worried about how well I will function without this constant support. A classmate e-mailed us today and hoped that we would still commuicate when this class was over. Rachel assured us that the Alumni area would be open to us which was a great relief to me. This journey has been a constant problem-solving situation with our "homework." I have swallowed some of the knowledge made available to me and used it to create and modify answers to homework problems. I have then looked at my results to see if they were appropriate. The comraderie of my classmates has made this possible--without their help and support I am not sure I would have made it this far. It is good to know they will still be "out there" when I am floundering!

Caption 9

Indicators: 8.17s, 8.19s, 8.20s, 8.22s, 8.23s, 8.24s, 8.27s, 8.33s, 8.36s, 8.37s, 8.38s, 8.40s, 8.41s, 8.43s, 8.44s, 8.45s, 8.46s, 8.47s, 9.20s

Artifact #9

Descriptors: Digital Graphics

Title: Media Products--HOTT (Heart of Texas Teachers) Billboard

Course: 201 Digital Graphics Elective

Date Created: December 12, 2002

Source: Module 4 Discussion 3

Media: Microsoft Paint, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word

Description: We were to create an assignment/handout for a class that teaches the students about "how to" create one of the media listed below. The assignment was to utilize whatever software we chose and we were to list all the requirements that the student must meet or have to create the product. We were then to create a student sample. We were to start a company called Heart of Texas Teachers (HOTT) and create an original logo for the company. Using the elements and principles of design, we were to create one of the following media products, incorporating the newly designed logo: poster, billboard, business card, stationery, book jacket, folder, booklet, pamphlet, brochure, magazine, flyer, CD cover, etc. Then we were to write a summary of the attributes needed for our particular media, what we used to create the student sample, describe the elements and principles of design that we used and finally predict future implications in our classroom. I chose a billboard.

Rationale: I chose my billboard for this standard because it really required me to synthesize the knowledge I had gained to design the logo and then to create (and recreate) and modify the billboard. I started in PhotoShop and gave up after alot of trying and went to Microsoft Paint which became my friend. My classmates were helpful in answering my questions and even though it wasn't group work, it almost felt like it because of their help. I also used Microsoft Word to make my handout and then converted it to .pdf using Adobe Acrobat. Learning how to save as .pdf was a real feather under my cap. Of course, I had to give myself the feather!

Implications for future: I really think that this is a useable project for a digital graphics class. We also have a nice file full of handouts from our classmates! I want to learn more about layers in PhotoShop so I can use it for design, but Microsoft Paint is a program most of the students will know. This would probably be good early in the year so they can show me what knowledge they have of some design programs. Those that are like me with no knowledge to start with can dabble in Paint like I did and be successful and therefore gain confidence to learn more and do better. The next discussion required that we make a rubric for grading this project which is included in my web page. I have not used rubrics to grade and think this is a great new discovery!

Reviewer's Comments: Love the logo - it is very spirited and nicely done!

Reviewer's Name: Rachel Newman

Title: TATC Instructor

Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002