Digital Media

Handbook

Digital Media is an introductory course to digital applications that may used for art, photography, graphic design, film production, and web design. Students will learn how to use software such as Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver, and Windows Movie Maker. Additionally, students will learn basic design principles as it relates to purpose and industry.

The course starts by exploring the tools and functions of Photoshop, then rolls into making short films using Windows Movie Maker, and finishes with students creating a simple website.

Philosophy and Attitude

When it comes to learning how to use new software, I believe in "doing." Students have varying levels of computer experience and learn at different paces, which makes it difficult to teach in the style of "teacher talks and demonstrates, students follow." Generally, I will introduce a new project, demonstrate a few key techniques and tips using the designated software (just enough to get students going), then turn students loose to work through the project, and hover through the class to answer questions and help with difficulties.

It is my belief that to be successful in learning new software and applicaitons, students must be willing to fail and to learn from their failures – that's why there is control z! It's also my belief that students must be willing to work through a difficult problem instead automatically raising their hand to ask for help. For one, it's difficult for me to get to everyone in a timely manner and waiting for me to get to you may put you behind in the project; two, it doesn't do the student any favors if the teacher shows him/her how to do something every time he/she runs into difficulty. The best skill a student can develop for the digital realm is problem solving – have confidence in your ability to work through a problem and if something goes wrong, there is generally a way to fix it.

No Tolerance for Intolerance

Respect your peers’ culture, sexual orientation, socio-economic position, family situation, and ideas. This room is a safe environment and we have no qualms with removing a potential or apparent threat to the sanctity of the environment.

Cell Phone Use

Keep your cell phone in your pocket or bag on vibrate or silent – respect the learning environment. Texting during class not only affects your ability to focus during class, but those around you as well. Expect consequences if using your cell phone in class becomes a recurring issue. Parents/Guardians- please limit cell phone contact w/student while in class.

Absences and Tardies

Respect your class and treat it as if it’s your job – show up on time and communicate with me when you won’t be able to make it to class.

Employability

Students are assessed on their employability using the AWEPA Rubric (Attendance Work Ethic Productivity Attitude) two times every term. This evaluation is designed to prepare you for life outside the classroom and to hold you accountable to workplace expectations.

Grading Policy

Regular assignments are based on a 5 point scale:

Major assignments use the 5 point scale as well, but may contain multiple categories that increase the overall score.

Grades are based on the BIS standard scale:

Redo Policy

Students may redo assignments if the assignment is completed and turned in on time – late assignments are NOT eligible. This policy is to reinforce continued improvement of projects as would occur in a successful business environment. We also wish to promote students learning from his or her own mistakes. The following outlines the two different types of "redos" and general guidelines.

Limted Redo Attempts

Unless specified otherwise, you may submit an assignment up to TWO times. The first submission of an assignment is considered submission ONE, leaving you with ONE additional attempt at submitting an improved assignment for your desired grade.

Tests, Quizzes, and Presentations

The redo policy does NOT apply to tests, quizzes, or presentations. However, we will occassionally offer students the chance to improve a test or quiz score by taking advantage of a "Quiz Bomber." Presentations are considered a one shot attempt – as we all know, there are no redos in front of a live audience.

General Guidelines

Any assignment re–submitted for grading must show significant improvements to be eligible for a re–grade. Furthermore, the assignment must be completely free of spelling errors.

Assignments must be re–submitted before the end of the current term in which the assignment was given.

Procedure for Re–grade

To submit a digital assignment for a re–grade, do the following:

  1. Send an email Sinks
  2. Attach the assignment to the email
  3. In the subject line, insert "Please Regrade insert assignment name here"
  4. Please use the body of the email if you have any questions or concerns about the assignment, otherwise leave the body blank

To submit a hardcopy of an assignment for a re–grade, do the following:

  1. Attach ALL previous drafts of the assignment to the BACK of the re–submitted draft – NEW draft needs to be on top
  2. Place the assignment in the assigned box for the teacher who intially graded the assignment

Late Work

Assignments turned in one week late can receive up to 3 points for the assignments.

Assignments turned in after one week can receive up to 2 points for the assignment.

This is non–negotiable

Receiving a 2 or 3 on a late assignment would mean you turned in a perfect paper (albeit late) – don't count on getting a 2 or 3 by simply turning in the assignment.

Bathroom Breaks

Take care of your business before class. Only one person may go to the bathroom at a time when it’s appropriate. Excessive requests will be denied. There will be a strict "No Go" for the first and last 15 minutes of class.

Food and Beverage

You may eat in class as long as it does not cause a disturbance or create a huge mess. Throw away your garbage — we are not your maid. No glass. With the new "makeover" in the Tech Center, ALL drinks must have a screw type lid – no Big Gulps; furthermore, we will NOT allow students to eat lunch in here. We want to keep the Tech Center in the best condition possible – afterall, this space is as much your as it ours – let's keep it nice for everyone!

Computer Use

Each student will have use of a computer while in class. Because many students use the same computers, it is expected that students do not make any system changes. Changes desired for work related to academic learning may be discussed with the instructors but must not be made without permission. In addition, computers should not be used for anything that does not contribute to student's formal education at BIS. Students who bring in their own computers must set them up in designated areas only and obey the same responsible use policies as required on computers owned by School District 6.

Golden Rules

The following should always be heeded in Integrated Lit:

  1. Don't be a goober, you are not as cool, funny, clever, great, stylish, beautiful, smart, sassy, you name it, as you think.
  2. Treat the lab with respect and ownership - this is your home and equipment. Truly, this is the coolest place at CHS. Cherish it.
  3. Be Nice.
  4. Think before you speak.
  5. Enjoy life - man, you're young - you have so many cool things going for you - take advantage.
  6. Don't Enjoy life irresponsibly - like Rogan always says, "you have your whole adult life to be an idiot."
  7. Meet everyone in the class - know their names - know something about them.
  8. Take chances.
  9. Learn new tricks.
  10. Join something (appropriate please).
  11. Try.
  12. Think.
  13. Don't give up.
  14. Believe in yourself.
  15. Do it well - make it better!
  16. Don't print your cell phone bill
  17. Clean up after yourself.
  18. Say something nice to someone different everyday.

Plagiarism

We consider the act of plagiarizing another person’s work a gross violation of academic and social integrity. Plagiarism is often characterized by copying an author’s/designer's work without giving him/her credit for his/her ideas and using them as your own. The punishment for plagiarizing another author’s/designer's work includes, but is not limited to:

Teacher Emails

Whenever you send an email, please do the following:

  1. Put a subject in the subject line (i.e. - please regrade resume)
  2. Capitalize - Grammar and Spell check
  3. Be respectful — I am always busy and appreciate your patience. Rude emails tend to get pushed to the bottom

Teacher Time

When we ask for your attention, we usually want you to turn off your monitor. Nothing personal.