Graphic designers are visual communicators who combine color, composition, typography, and illustration in creative, innovative ways to inform, motivate, sell, educate or entertain. Advertisements, brochures, corporate identity programs, product packaging, video graphics, computer imagery, signs and exhibits are all created by graphic designers to communicate visually. This course will provide students with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology to further develop their own graphic design skills.

What are students expected to learn?
Students will:

• Demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. (NETS*S 2007, 1a; 1b.)
• Use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. (NETS*S 2007, 2a, 2b; 2d.)
• Apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. (NETS*S 2007, 3b, 3c.)
• Plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. (NETS*S 2007, 4b.)
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning and productivity. (NETS*S 2007, 5b.)
• Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning. (NETS*S 2007, 5c.)
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations. (NETS*S 2007, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.)

NETS*S - National Educational Technology Standards for Students, second edition, 2007, published by ISTE - International Society for Technology in Education, 1710 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036-3132. Phone 1.800.336.5191; Web: www.iste.org/nets

Course Objectives
This course will provide students with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology to create digital graphics. Students will learn industry-standard software, including Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, InDesign CS2, Painter, Bryce5 or Terragen, Fireworks MX 2004, Flash MX 2004, and other products used in print, digital video, and Web design.

Internship Opportunities
Students in this class will have the opportunity to work with community members to develop "real-world" graphic design skills. In the past, students have worked with Lincoln City Libraries, The Community Blood Bank, and The Nebraska Library Commission.
Students have also benefited from paid employment opportunities with Nanonation, aijalon, and The Nebraska Library Commission.

Contest Entries
Students in this class also have opportunities to enter graphic design contests. ITFP students have frequently been awarded first place in the Apple Digital Media Contest, also known as the "Digies". ITFP students have frequently finished 1st in the 7-12 division in the Digital Still Image and Digital Still Photography categories.

Course Learnings
Each student will:

• create, modify, and publish:
  
  • drawings;
  • text objects;
  • animations;
  • digital images;
  • digital photographs;
  • presentations;
  • publications;
  • web pages.
• generate an electronic portfolio of digital work and store it on CD;

Course Expectations
You are expected to:

• Be on time for class;
• Come to class prepared to work;
• Complete required assignments on time;
• Treat all people and property with respect;
• Follow the regulations outlined in the Student Handbook provided by the school where you are registered.

Tardy Policy: On the second tardy to class, the student will be required to submit a plan for resolving the tardy problem. Subsequent tardies may result in an administrative referral.

90 - 100	A
86 - 89	B+
80 - 85	B
76 - 79	C+
70 - 75	C
66 - 69	D+
60 - 65	D
0 - 59	F