Foundations of Art, Audio-Video Technology and Communications
Instructor: Michelle C. Morris, M.Ed.
334-567-5158, ext. 54212
Description:
This course will explore a wide variety of topics. Careers, certifications, history, ethics and safety in Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications are some of the discussed topics. Through projects and group work students will develop a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation and a proficiency in oral and written communication.
Prerequisite: none.
Program: Arts, Audio-Video Technology, and Communications
Course/Program Goals:
This course introduces students to a variety of software and hardware for use in the development cycle. Our goal is to exceed the Alabama Course of Study content standards for each class and have every student gain in depth knowledge of software and hardware to produce professional quality assignments. To achieve these objectives, the course strikes a balance between lecture and student involvement with an emphasis on project-based learning.
Method of Instruction:
The methods through which students learn information include discussion, presentation, demonstration, guided practice, self-guided practice, cooperative groups, audio-visual programs, guest speakers, and other methods the instructor determines to be appropriate. This is a project-based learning class, so many projects will be introduced throughout the course.
Course Fee:SkillsUSA required club membership fee of $30.00. Class books will be provided free of charge. However, there will be a $15 charge to replace lost or damaged books. Equipment is provided free of charge. If equipment that is assigned to you this semester is lost or broken, even if by some else, you are responsible for replacing it.
SkillsUSA:
The SkillsUSA student organization is an integral part of classroom instruction. Active
participation in Skills enables students to develop skills and competence for digital design as well
as other careers, to build self-esteem, to experience leadership, and to practice community
service. ALL Digital Design students are strongly encouraged to become members of
SkillsUSAand actively support the SkillsUSA program at Wetumpka High School.
SkillsUSA fees are $30 and include a SkillsUSAt-shirt if paid by deadline – August 30th.
Assessment Procedures:
The nine-week grade will be determined by the following criteria:
•Tests and projects 60 %
•Daily Assignments (including homework):40 %
The semester grade will be determined by the following criteria:
•First nine-weeks:40 %
•Second nine-weeks:40 %
•Semester Exam:20 %
Assignments:90% of the work will be done in class. These and ALL assignments/projects will NOT be accepted late. Deadlines ARE enforced.
Attendance:Attendance is extremely important in Audio-Video Technology. However, if you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to bring a legitimate excuse within THREE days of the absence. If you are absent the day a project is due, you will not be able to submit the project unless you have an excused absence. Then, the project is due the day you return from your absence. All other make-up work, including tests, must be made up within three days of your absence. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET YOUR MAKE-UP WORK!!
Supplies Needed: Students are expected to have an SD card (preferably 16gigabytes) which can be used in the class cameras, a writing utensil (pen or pencil), a flash drive (can be used for all classes), and a school appropriate business casual outfit (for mock interviews and fieldtrips).
Supplies REQUESTED:
$10 donation to cover cost of supplies throughout the year. Includes paper, project supplies, etc.
Course Outline:
Safety
Practice guidelines regarding safe internet usage and safe handling of the electrical equipment including the camera and related equipment. For example, students must know how to use the lighting equipment properly and carefully. Lights can get very hot, and they could hurt themselves, so they need to take the necessary precautions, for example, using a garden glove when using or adjusting the light. Also, lights need to be left to cool down before they are taken down after filming.
Learning How to Use Various Programs
Utilize a variety of software and software tools to create a slide presentation, spreadsheet presentation, word processing document, and a publishing document.
Camera Usage
Evaluate a setting or scene and adjust camera settings to create the best shot possible. Identify types of cameras and discuss their differences. Identify, define, and discuss their difference. Identify, define, and discuss the most common settings present in cameras. Describe basic camera care.
Lighting
Explain the basics of Lighting and demonstrate how to manipulate lighting equipment for desired effect. Explain the importance of lighting basics. Identify different types of light. Define different light used in lighting set ups. Describe different lighting set ups. Describe how to light a background.
Principles of Design
Classify and evaluate the principles of design in print media, art, and the environment.
Ethics & Copyright
Create an informational flyer that follows the guidelines for copyright laws, fair use, and ethical communications. Research copyright laws and fair use. Locate images that do not violate copyright laws and fair use. Design a flyer promoting ethics and copyright laws.
Professional Communications
Understand the importance of effective communication skills by participating in mock interviews, and preparing a professional resume. Utilize active speaking and listening skills in group discussions. Identify communication terms needed for various careers. Prepare and write a professional resume. Participate effectively in a mock interview.
Photoshop
Be able to identify the tool panel, menu bar, and document window. Create and manipulate text. Use the file browser. Manipulate the customizable palettes.Use selection and viewing tools. Use painting, drawing and retouching tools.Place objects on different layers.Change stacking order of layers. Change blending mode and opacity of layers.Create and edit masks. Understand resolution and image size. Crop an image. Create and use styles. Use the history palette. Make, fill and stroke paths.Create vector shapes.Add filters and effects. Save Photoshop files. Optimize Photoshop files for the web.
Audacity (Audacity is a free, open-source digital audio editing program)
Students will be able to produce audio edits, recordings, and exports. Select, copy and paste portions of audio files. Silence, fade and amplify portions of audio files. Understand the concept of layering tracks. Record and export audio files.
Movie Maker
Classify and evaluate audio and video clips. Create titles and credits. Make cinema-style transitions, such as fades, dissolves, and wipes. Add music, sounds, and narration. Demonstrate knowledge of video, editing, and audio fundamentals.
Basic drawing skills will be incorporated in each unit. No previous knowledge is needed.
**Credentials: This is the first course in a three year program. During the course of the program, students will be able to obtain Adobe certification in Photoshop.
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