PhotoShop

Molly B. Frank mollybfrank@hotmail.com

Topic & Scope for Photoshop Lessons

The lesson plans are designed for beginners with initial exposure to Photoshop software. The lesson is intended for middle school students who show interest graphic design. The learners are using Photoshop in conjunction with editing photos for the newspaper, yearbook or school website. The lessons introduce the learners to the tools needed to edit and repair photos for publication. The basic editing tools are intended to prepare students for designing and laying out pages for publication.

The lessons expose the learners to the following:

Editing photos for different platforms

Photoshop Toolbox

Enhancing and Repairing Photos

Intended Audience and Context

General Characteristics

The intended audience consists of 14-15 year old students, who are seeking basic information for editing photos for publication using Photoshop.

Entry Competencies

Pre-requisite skills required include the ability to read, operate a computer and participation on the yearbook staff. Manual dexterity is required to operate the computer.

Learner Attitudes

Students who are enrolled in the class are expected to be highly motivated in effort to publish a pristine yearbook and website to represent excellence at their school. Students enrolled in this class are expected to continue their interests into high school.

The module is designed to address the learning styles of both visual and kinesthetic learners. The following summarizes learner characteristics, competencies and attitudes expected:

Minimum of a introductory to photo editing software at home Participate as a yearbook staff member No Photoshop experience Desire to pursue yearbook or photography on the high school level

Instructional Strategy and Justification for this Strategy

Motivational Activities

The learner is taking the Photoshop course as part of the required yearbook curriculum. Since the class is an elective the learners motivation is considered intrinsic. The learners attention is gained by introducing how using Photoshop can improve the layout and quality of a publication. The content must reveal information relevant to the students interest, skill-level and need. The content will provide the students with the skill-set to edit photographs and create page layouts for both the

yearbook and website publications. The completion of the lessons will enable the learners to create a finished product of a page layout.

Orientation Activities

The introduction will discuss the objective of the lesson and also include an overview of Photoshops use in editing and layouts. The lessons will assume that the student has experience in photography and page layout design principles. Adaptations will be provided for students who wish to seek advanced instruction.

The lessons will transition from photo editing for different platforms into photo enhancement and layout. Each lesson provides an overview of objectives, introduction and demonstration, individual activity and lastly evaluation

Information Activities and Application

The lessons are chunked to allow for easier comprehension. Each chunk will present information as follows:

Window Orientation and Toolbox Introduction- conceptual objective Common editing tools- conceptual and performance objectives Saving photos for use on different platforms- conceptual and performance objectives Enhancement tools and repairing techniques- conceptual and performance objectives The lessons are delivered via instructional packets so as to be readily available to any yearbook student preparing to learn how to edit photos for their page layouts. Each student will be able to proceed through the activities at their own pace. The lessons seek a generative strategy to enhance recall of procedures and principles. The lessons are designed conceptually by giving students practice scenarios to test out their editing skills. The performance objectives will be taught using illustrative models and interactive media components. These approaches allow the students to rehearse and mentally practice the procedures for comprehension. Students will benefit from realistic concrete practice.

Evaluation

The activities will provide an opportunity for the student to individually evaluate acquired knowledge. Guidance will take the form of feedback during the activity and by successfully completing handouts and comparing the final product to the examples provided. The instructor will evaluate the final products according to a performance and criteria rubric. It is expected that students will apply the knowledge in creating the yearbook and website.

Name: Molly B. Frank School: Scribner Middle School Date: 00/00/00 Grade Level(s): 8th Grade Length of Lesson: 50 min Content Area: Computer Arts Topic(s) Photoshop Editing Images I. ABOUT THE LESSON

1. TOPIC/FOCUS The focus of the exercise is to help students become acquainted with common editing tools in Photoshop. Additionally, students will be introduced to file types.

2. OBJECTIVES/GOALS The objective is for students to identify and utilize editing tools found on the Photoshop toolbar.

Through the following actions:

Work through a series of How-to handouts. Crop, Add a Border, Resize, Select, and Correct Blemishes Images in

Photoshop.

Take two quizzes to assess understanding of tools.

3. State Content Standards: BMS-T.2.1, T.3.1, T.4.1,

4. MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES ADDRESSED Logical/ Visual/ Kinesthetic

5. MATERIALS

Handout: Photoshop Handout (see Appendix A) Writing Utensil Scanner or Digital Camera Computer equipped with Photoshop Software One photo file with red-eye At least two image files

II. LESSON PROCEDURES

6. INTRODUCTION Interest builder Display original photos with final edited photos to show

examples of how Photoshop can transform images. Label each image with the process used to obtain final product. Instructor will introduce each image and give a brief overview of each to

the students. Due to the nature of the class, each student is expected to work on individual projects determined by their yearbook assignment. Students will need to acquire Photoshop skills that fit their particular concern. The Photoshop handout is designed as a reference tool, so that a student may look to the handout for instruction when the concern arises.

Distribute the Photoshop handout. Review that handout with the students for comprehension.

7. ACTIVITIES File Types- identify formats and platforms. Saving Photos for the Web Cropping Borders Resizing Selection tools- to move; duplicate; and resize Backgrounds Repairing Images

8. ADAPTATIONS

Give the students leading questions. Advanced students: will be guided with the additional tips to take a more

in-depth look at the options available for each tool.

9. DESIGN QUALITIES Individual: Each student will be working with a one-to-one computer ratio. Working Together: Encourage students to assist their neighbors and

discuss. Authenticity: The students will be editing the images to be published in the

school yearbook and on the school website.

10. STUDENT ASSESSMENT Ask prompting questions to help them find the answer on their own. Observe how the students explore and interact with the tools.

Evaluate images according to Photoshop rubric. (see Appendix B)

11. CLOSURE/CULMINATION (If Time)

Ask the students about what difficulties they had with the assignment. Ask the students to share their answers to the help questions with the

class and discuss how the answer can be improved.

Photoshop Tutorial Handout

File Types: There are three types of file formats that we will use in this class: GIF, JPEG, PSD. It is important to know which file formats are most efficient for various platforms. Below is a list of various platforms and their ideal formats.

Platform File Types Web .GIF- allows for a compressed file size for faster loading. Print .JPEG- carries a greater amount of the color spectrum and

therefore provides a sharper result when printed than a .gif. The PSD file is used as a default or original file source. This format allows you to continue to manipulate every aspect of the photo. Whereas once it is saved as a JPEG or GIF the layers are compressed and the image can no longer be manipulated for further changes. *Suggestion: Always keep a backup of the final file in the PSD format.

Saving:

When saving select your file type from the drop-down menu in the format box. Then click save.

When editing a file always save and change the file name at the beginning. This will maintain the original image and avoid accidently saving the edited image over the original. *Suggestion: Save early and save often.

Appendix A Page 1 of 3

Photos for the Web: To save your edited photo for the web, choose Save for Web from the file menu. Select the 4-up tab, located in the top left corner of screen, to see a preview of four different versions of your image. This view allows you to compare image quality and download times.

Find the Zoom level box (in the lower left-hand corner) and change to Fit on Screen. Over on the right-hand side you may change the number of colors displayed for the web. If you right-click on the image you can select the expected internet delivery speed of your target audience. Notice the speeds next to each.

To help determine the appropriate selection for your audience, look at the list below: Modem Dial-up internet service ISDN Is equivalent to high speed dial-up Cable/ DSL Internet through cable or phone company using a

dedicated high speed connection. T1 Used by most businesses and schools, not prevalent in

households.

Most households will have an average download time of 512 kbps (kilobytes per second). If you choose 512, notice the download times for each of the three available choices. Choose the one that best fits your needs. Then Click the Save button and change the filename to identify the image a suited for the web. (e.g. - webbaby.gif)

Cropping: Many pictures will need to be cropped for interest or to cut out unwanted elements. Open your image file for editing. -Click the crop tool in the toolbox then click and drag the tool to create a rectangle around the portion of the image that you want to keep. -Release the mouse button. You will see two shaded areas. -The area that is darker will be cropped (deleted). The lighter shaded area is the selections that you wish top keep. -If you agree with your selection press ENTER. You may adjust your selection by clicking and dragging the handles OR press the ESC key to deselect the image.

Borders: Borders are added to photos for visual interest or to help blend an image into the page layout. First, you must select the entire image to add a border. Click Select>All (Ctrl +A). You should see the marching ants around your selection. Under the Select menu choose Modify and Border. In the border dialog box you are given the choice of how many pixels wide your border will be. (Pixels are the tiny individual dots of color within an image). Lets experiment with the pixels. We will see how wide 200 pixels become. -Enter 200 in the width box. -Click OK. You will see that the selection has moved inward creating a border. This may be too wide. To change the width, just go back to the Select menu and choose Modify and Border. Adjust the pixels until you find the appropriate width. Smoothing- To adjust the corner angles around your border, go back to the Select menu and choose Modify and Smooth. Smoothing will round the rectangular corners of the border. In the Smooth dialog box, type the radius of which you would like to round out the corners. For example, try 100, 50, and 25 to view the different results and then choose the radius of your choice. *Remember- At anytime, you may click Edit Undo to take you back to the previous step. Filling the Border- To access the Fill dialogue box, click the Edit menu and Fill. -First, look to the contents area and choose a color or pattern for the border filler. -Next, look to the blending area. This mode allows you to choose a blending method. There are several choices. Dont be afraid to explore each one, you can always return to the fill dialogue box to make changes. The opacity determines how transparent the color is at the outer edge of the border.

When you are finished and have clicked OK, deselect your border by clicking anywhere inside the window or Ctrl +D.

Resizing: You may need to resize the image for your page layout. While doing this you want to maintain the integrity (quality) of the image and resize it appropriately for its intended platform (print or web). The best tool to resize appropriately and maintain quality is the Resize Image Wizard.

Click the Help menu and select Resize Image. First, determine if you intend your image to be printed or published to the web, then click next. Second, determine the desired size by entering the width. *Notice that the heighth is automatically calculated for you to maintain the correct proportions (to avoid skewing the image), then click next.

Third, choose your halftone screen. The higher the halftone the greater number of pixels will be used in the image. Read the description below each selection to help you determine the appropriate half-tone for your platform. Now choose your Image quality level. Keep in mind that the higher the quality the bigger the file. If you intend to print the image, high quality is desired. If you intend to post to the web then low quality will suffice. Make your selection then click next. When you have clicked the finish button your resized image appears in a new window where you may now save. *Remember to choose Save As to change your file name. Close the window to return to your original image.

Selection Tools: The selection tools allow you to isolate elements of a image and edit or manipulate them to improve the layout. To Move: Depending on the shape of your item, choose the rectangluar or elliptical marquee tool by right clicking on the marquee button and making your selection. Select your element by clicking and dragging with your mouse. You may reselect your image if you didnt make the correct seelction the first time. When you have your selection, go back to the toolbar and click the Move Tool and then click and drag your selecton to its new space. To Duplicate: Choose a marquee tool for your selection then click ctrl+ C and ctrl + U. Choose the Move Tool and move your duplicate to its new space. Resize a Selection: Make your selection then click Show Transform Controls. Choose the Move Tool from the toolbar and then proceed to click and drag the corner handles to resize and keep the proportions in check. Press enter to finalize selection.

Backgrounds: Open a blank canvas by first clicking File then New. Enter the size of your page or final image for web (example- 8.5 x 11). Choose White as your background.

For a solid color go to the toolbar and choose a color for your background by clicking the paint bucket. Next, select the color picker tool and choose a color

for your background the proceed to click your canvas.

For a fill effect, right-click the paint bucket on the toolbar and switch to gradient. Click the gradent editor button located on the options toolbar at the top of the screen.

The gradient editor allows you to choose your colors and fill effects for the background of your canvas. Choose the color and effects that you feel are most appropriate for your needs.

Repairing Images: Red-Eye Removal Tool: Red-eye happens when the cameras flash is reflected in the eye. Usually in close-up photos, where the flash is straight-on. Open your file for editing. Zoom-in close enough to easily see the red-eye located in the pupil. On the toolbar right-click on the the healing tool and select the red-eye tool.

Move your mouse over to the red-area of the pupil and click. *Be careful not to get too close to the black area or it will discolor. If this happens click edit and undo. Spot Healing Brush Tool: The spot healing brush comes in handy to clear-up or smoth out any imperfections on someones face, clothing or in the background. This tool brings in color from adjacent areas to correct the imperfection. Open your file for editng. Zoom-in close enough to easily see the imperfection. On the toolbar right-click on the healing tool and select the spot healing tool.

Check the options toolbar for the appropriate brush size and mode. The brush size should be slightly larger than the imperfection. Then just point and click.

Photoshop Rubric

Rating Beginner 1 Novice

2 Intermediate

3 Advanced

4 MARK

Directions Unable to follow directions Needed teacher help and guidance at least on two

occasions. Demonstrated some difficulty in

following directions. Followed directions quickly and accurately

with no teacher intervention needed

On Task Often off task. Disruptive to others Often off task. Did not disrupt

others Off task on occasion. Always remained on task and helpful to

others.

Originality Student project same as tutorial. Project shows some originality of

design within tutorial expectations

Project show great deal of originality. Project show great deal of originality. Surpassed or added to tutorial expectations

Importing Graphics

Inappropriate Image. Selection process poor, picture

fuzzy. Appropriate image used in most

instances. Appropriate image. Good selection

process, picture clear. Highly appropriate image. Superior picture

quality.

Use of Color & Design Poor color and design Average color and design

Appropriate use of color and design. Image shows interpretation and use of

tools.

Use of color and design show excellence and originality. Image shows a sophisticated

use of tools.

TOTAL / 20

Appendix B

Resources

Cashman, Thomas; Shelly, Gary; Starks, Joy (2007). Adobe Photoshop CS2- Comprehensive Concepts and Techiques. Boston: Course Technology, a division of Thompson Learning, Inc.

Starks, Joy L. (2007). Proceedings from Track C Photoshop: Tech Camp July 07. IUPUI School

of Engineering and Technology; Indianapolis, IN. Vrinten, (n.d.). GPA 90 Introduction to Computers. Retrieved September 30, 2007, from

http://www.scs.sk.ca/edf/info/gpa9/docs/Flash%20marking%20rubric.doc.