Orientation

Welcome to Intro to Computer Graphic Art

You can probably tell from the title that the purpose of this class is to teach you how to make art using a computer. There are no prerequisites for this class, so we will be starting on this goal from scratch. During our 16 weeks together, we will follow these steps:
  1. Orientation (What we're doing now!): Week 1 - find out what you'll learn during this class, get to know your classmates, and get set up with the web applications we will use for the online portion of class
  2. Basics: Week 2 - how to use a computer and the Adobe CS4 Graphical User Interface; types of graphics (bitmap and vector) you can create and edit with a computer
  3. Input & Resolution: Weeks 3-4 - how to get high quality images into the computer by scanning and importing (while we're on this subject, we'll learn how to search for images and give appropriate credit for what we use in our art)
Step three is really "Edit images using the computer." But we're going to break that down and introduce you to three components of the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You'll learn the essential purpose of each component, and put all three into practice (at a beginner's level) for your class project:
  1. Photoshop: Weeks 5-7 - how to edit bitmap graphics (photographic images are an example)
  2. Illustrator: Weeks 8-9 - how to create vector graphics ( illustrations and logos are good examples)
  3. InDesign: Weeks 10-12 - how to create a layout for print (we'll bring raster and vector graphics together in your layout)
Once you've learned to edit and manipulate images with the computer, you need to get your finished work back out again, so we'll also cover:
  1. Output: Weeks 13 - how to print professional quality proofs of your graphic art
  2. Presentation: Week 13 - how to trim, mount, and label your work professionally; Week 14 - how to present and discuss your work, and how to accept and offer constructive feedback 

Class Web Site

Did you notice the steps above correspond to the pages listed at the top of this web site? Clever you! Activities and assignments will be listed on the appropriate page as we reach each new step in the learning process.

The first two pages of this web site aren't listed above, so I'll explain them here:

HOME:
The home page is the official Class Blog. This is the page where we communicate! I will post at least one announcement or reminder every week. You will need to subscribe to receive email from this blog or plan on checking this site for new information at least once every week.

You will also contribute to the Class Blog. Some of our assigned discussions will appear here, and students will contribute by adding a comment to the discussion post. In addition, you will submit the results of some of your textbook exercises here by creating a blog post of your own. Each student will receive an invitation to become a blog author during the first week of class. Please make sure you accept the invitation and log in before contributing a comment or a blog post.

    COURSE INFO:
    Your Syllabus, Textbook information, Course Schedule and list of Assignments & Assessments are all on this page. The list of Assignments & Assessments includes your due dates and where to turn in the assignment (online or in the classroom). This page is meant to be a quick reference for you while you are working online. If there is anything you find yourself wishing were on this page, let me know.

          List of things to do to get started

          1. Before or during first class meeting: If you don't already know your mySCC account information, please contact the SCC Help Desk at 480-423-6274 option 3 for support accessing mySCC, which gives you access to the SCC campus network over the Internet. You will also need this information to access computers on campus, including the computers in our classroom.
          2. First class: Attend class on August 26 from 10:00-11:50 AM, 12:30-2:20 PM or 2:30-4:20 PM in Art Building room AB134 for a course overview and an orientation to the Computer Graphics Lab and online technology we'll use for class. You'll also meet your classmates and instructor in person. 
          3. During first class: Email your instructor from your Maricopa.edu email account - you will receive instructions during class for including a required file attachment.
          4. During first class or online before second class: Accept blog author invitation from your instructor sent to your Maricopa.edu email account. You may need to set up a Google Blogger account. (due Thursday September 1 by 11:59 PM)
          5. Online, before second class: Check your Maricopa.edu email account for your invitation to Voicethread, which we will use for some of our online discussions.
          6. Online, before second class: Set up your Voicethread profile and respond to Discussion 1: Introductions - navigate to your picture and introduce yourself by adding a video, audio or text comment. Add a photo to your Voicethread profile, too. (due Thursday September 1 by 11:59 PM)
          7. Online, before second class: Explore this web site. Make sure you read the Home page, Course Info page including the Syllabus (email instructor with any questions), and this Orientation page
          8. Online, before second class: Log into Blackboard and take Quiz 1: Orientation. (due Thursday September 1 by 11:59 PM)
          9. Online, before second class: Prepare for class on September 2 - read the Basics page and complete as much of the work as you can. Note any problems or questions so I can help you during class.
          EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:
            • Students who complete steps 1-8 on their own within 48 hours of the first class meeting will receive 10 extra credit points. 
            • Students who set up a virtual or in-person appointment with instructor for help completing steps 1-8 and who finish by Wednesday August 31 at 4pm will receive 10 extra credit points.

              Help with Your Maricopa.edu Account

              • If you aren't going to check your Mariciopa.edu email account regularly, you should forward it to an account you do check often. This two minute video shows how to do that.
              •  If you're a Gmail user, this three minute video will show you how to access your Maricopa.edu email account from your Gmail account.
              • Google Apps Calendar is your friend. Why? Because it can send you text messages about any event in your class calendar. Events like, say, assignment due dates. Watch this eight minute video to learn how to set that up.

              Help with Voicethread


              Introduction to VoiceThread (a handout for students)

              About Web Browsers


              If you find a page or post from this web site is not displaying properly in the web browser you are using, please try the following solutions:
              • update to the latest version of the browser
              • view the page or post with a different browser, or a different computer, or both!
              • schedule a meeting outside class time with your instructor for troubleshooting assistance
              And please, if a browser display issue is interfering with your ability to complete course work, do not wait. Contact your instructor immediately. It is likely an alternative means of accessing the material can be provided fairly quickly so that you can continue working.

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