Mrs. Donohue's Class Blog

Week beginning 4.28.08

2008-04-27T21:28:00.003-05:00

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Wow! This will be quite a busy week! On Monday, we will be assessing where we are in our projects. We will put on final touches and plan for our premiere / presentation day on Friday. Feel free to dress the part and walk the red carpet!

On Tuesday and Wednesday we will work with photography...so get your cameras out and begin charging them! The weather looks like it will allow us to look at action, nature, and macrophotography over these days! We will take Thursday as a day to catch up, compile our work, and schedule our big premiere!

I would like to invite everyone to sign up to bring one of the following items for our movie premier day:

1. popcorn (low fat, and low butter)
2. drinks--crystal light, powerade, juice, etc.
3. movie theater-type candy -- in moderation

Also this week we will consult various resources. I will ask you to be open to discussion and learning...we aren't done yet!

Love,
Mrs. D

Music Videos

2008-04-15T13:29:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! This week we are beginning our longer videos. Many of you are opting to do a music video, and some of you are choosing to do a story. Either way, please be sure to adhere to the guidelines discussed in class.

Grading is as follows:
10% script
10% storyboard
30% log book (one per group)*
20% peer evaluation*
30% quality

Please note that the categories denoted by an * will be individualized grades.

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Don't Drink and Drive

2008-04-10T13:53:00.002-05:00

Please don't be tempted this prom season! Take it from your peers at OGHS, it just isn't worth it!

PSA Update

2008-04-10T12:53:00.002-05:00

Everyone has been working quite hard to get the PSAs done. We are going to put some of them online for others to view. I will include the links soon!

Public Service Announcements

2008-04-01T21:12:00.002-05:00

We will be developing short Public Service Announcements.

Here are some resources we will use:

Ad Council

BoostUp

PSA Form

A new feature! Podcasting (no fear)!

2008-04-01T14:52:00.006-05:00

Students and parents...I am beginning to use podcasting to help increase communication and student learning.

Don't Panic!!! Podcasting is like e-mail, but it is audio and sometimes has video components. You don't need an I-Pod to take advantage of it. All you need is what you have right now...a computer, an internet connection, and the sound on!

Currently, you can learn more about set up for the April 6th art show (which lasts until April 16th) by clicking the play button on the graphic.
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You just listened to a podcast!

I would love your feedback on how often you would like updates. Currently I am planning a weekly podcast, with mid-week updates when it is necessary.

Happy listening!

Week beginning March 31, 2008

2008-04-01T14:50:00.001-05:00

This week we will finish up our tabloid / journalism unit. We will begin working with video. We will examine how video shorts can be used to make a statement and an impact on our world. We will work in groups to create Public Service Announcements and / or informative commericals.

This week in advanced software topics

2008-03-23T21:45:00.003-05:00

Wow! It is hard to believe that we are beginning our 2nd week of this course. On Monday, we will show our idioms to the class...and see if they can be guessed. We will also begin working on our ethics / journalism unit. By week's end we will have made significant progress toward completing a "tabloid style" journal. We will explore how photo alterations and the lack of fact-checking can reduce the reliability of articles. We will examine ways to test what we read for validity. We will also improve our photoshop editing skills by producing the tabloid product.

While I prefer you work in groups, you may opt to work alone.

I look forward to serving you this week! Peace!

Advanced SW Topics Syllabus

2008-03-16T19:36:00.002-05:00

Link to syllabus

Welcome to Advanced Software Topics!

2008-03-16T16:27:00.002-05:00

This week we will begin looking at some of the more advanced features of Photoshop Elements. You will become more familiar with the toolbar and options available in Photoshop Elements. As part of this course we will explore ethical issues in tandem with our skills. Because we are focusing on changing the appearance of individual photos this week, we will explore beauty, our culture's obsession with beauty, and look at what it means to truly be beautiful. This will be an interactive discussion that you will be asked to contribute in by providing your opinions and insight.

Getting Familiar with the Photoshop Toolbar

http://www.easyelements.com/basics.html

Zits Away!

http://www.naturalbodyskincare.com/images/pimples.jpg

Today we will help get rid of nasty zits...at least in photos!

Link to Download Photos for Photoshop Elements Activities

http://www.scottkelbybooks.com/elementsphotos.html

Companion links to go with the activities to remove dark circles, wrinkles, and freckles.

Example for removing dark circles under the eyes: www.scottkelbybooks.com/bookextras/downloads/elementsdigiphoto/Removingdarkcircles.jpg www.moondragon.org/images/eyebags.jpg
Example for lessening freckles: imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/freckles1.jpg
Example for lessening wrinkles: www.scottkelbybooks.com/bookextras/downloads/elementsdigiphoto/LesseningWrinkles.jpg .

Week Beginning Feb. 18th!

2008-02-18T07:50:00.000-06:00

Instructions and Grading for Black and White Proj.

Black and White Photo Gallery – 2 major test grades

Objectives:

1. To apply photographic composition skills in black and white photography

2. To use camera and digital software to create artistic works

3. To display your work and justify your photographic choices

Task:

Use your own original black and white photography to create a physical photo gallery in your designated space in F-Hall.

Specifications:

1. Your design gallery may contain no less that ten photographs. Minimum size is 5 x 7, unless special permission is sought. Photo sizes should not exceed 8 x 10.

2. Your gallery should display your works in a neat, organized fashion. Photos should be straight, labeled, and your best work. I will make you redo your gallery if it is not your best.

3. Your gallery should contain your name at the top in a highly visible manner.

4. You should strive to present your photos in an appealing matter. Examples would include:

a. matting b. placing on colored paper 3. other artistic ideas…be creative, yet eye-appealing

5. All photos should be printed using the HP 2200 dn printer on regular class paper and then matted.

6. You should use at least 8 new photos. You may use a few old ones that you alter to black and white.

7. Your gallery should contain more than one kind of genre…ex: landscapes, portraits, faces, indoors, candids, macro, nature, etc.

FAQs

1. We will not be using sepia in this gallery at this time.

2. You may (and are encouraged to) use more than 10 photos.

3. Photos can be taken in color and altered to B & W.

4. Yes, they must be labeled..neatly.

5. You must bring supplies that will make your product stand out. I can supply hot glue, the paper, and ink…but the rest is up to you.

**********************************************************************************************

Digital Photography: Black and White Project

Rubric on Photographs (Worth 100 points)

CATEGORY Value:	10	7	3	0
Adherence to black and white theme	The photo demonstrates complete understanding of the theme and fully adheres to it	The photo demonstrates understanding of the theme and adheres to it	The photo somewhat adheres to the theme	The photo does not adhere to the theme
Originality	Photo demonstrates original thought in the use of subject, composition and lighting	Photo demonstrates thought in the use of subject, composition and lighting	Photo design demonstrates some thought in subject, composition or lighting	Photo does not demonstrate successful use of subject, composition or lighting
Composition	Photo demonstrates excellence in composition	Photo demonstrates good composition	Photo demonstrates some thought in composition	Photo demonstrates poor composition
Contrast	Photo demonstrates excellence in use of contrast	Photo demonstrates good contrast	Photo demonstrates some thought given to contrast	Photo demonstrates poor use of contrast
Digital Effects	Photo represents original and correct use of appropriate digital effects	Photo represents correct use of appropriate digital effects	Photo represents use of digital effects	Site does not represent correct use of appropriate digital effects

Total ____________ X 2 = ___________/100

Presentation in Gallery Rubric

Gallery Design of Black and White Photos

Teacher Name: Monica Donohue

Student Name: ________________________________________

CATEGORY	10	7	3	0
Neatness of Renderings	Renderings look professional. Clean, neat, no creases. Could be placed in a working portfolio.	Renderings look clean, with barely noticeable smudges and creases.	Renderings look like they have been revised frequently with a few noticeable eraser marks and creases. Needs redoing to put in portfolio.	Renderings are dirty , smudged, and creased. They have not been done with pride.
Energy	Is quite enthusiastic about the project and stayed focused on the project at all work times.	Shows enthusiasm and focus most of the time	Student works but sometimes loses focus, becomes frustrated, OR needs frequent reminders.	Student rarely works unless reminded or nagged.
Scale	Student has picked a scale that allows easy interpretation and has kept it consistent throughout the design.	Student has picked a scale that has only minor consistency problems.	Student has picked a scale that has several consistency problems.	The gallery is chaotic in scale.
Organization	Student organizes gallery for maximum appeal and meets all specifications.	The gallery is well-organized or appealing, but can be improved in1 - 2 ways or doesn't meet at least one specification.	The gallery is not well organized, and can be improved in 3 - 5 ways.	The gallery does not meet minimum expectations.
Specifications	All project specifications are met or are exceeded.	One project specification is omitted.	Two to three project specifications are not met.	More than three project specifications are not met.

Total ____________ X 2 = ___________/100

Black and White Photography

Galleries:

http://www.radekaphotography.com/recentwork.htm

http://slmblackandwhitephotography.com/

Ansel Adams

Articles:

Do you see in black and white?

Starting B & W Photography

HP's Tips on B & W Photography

Taking great B & W Photos

Feb. 14, 2007

2008-02-14T07:52:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are are class activities for today:

BELL -- EVERYONE must participate:

Student Wellness Survey

Daily:
1. Finish editing photos
2. Put together project
3. Do evaluation form
4. Let Mrs. D know you are ready to present
5. Presentations - view and participate as they are ready to go!

After you have presented your project:
1. Write or email Mrs. D ( oghstechnology@gmail.comwith your NAME in the subject line) a response to the following:
a. How many bonus points (out of 9) my group deserves and why.
b. What I did to contribute to the group.

2. Complete the confidential evaluation form (provided). Hand it directly to me.

Composition: Rule of Thirds, Lines, Getting it Straight, and Give 'em Some Space!

2008-02-06T07:51:00.000-06:00

Rule of Thirds: A Photographic Composition Guideline

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/digital-photography-tutor-thirds.html

http://scphoto.com/html/composition.html

Class Links:

Changing the Angles

People from Different Angles

Getting the Horizon Right!

Getting your lines straight!

Fill your Frame!

Give them space!

Week Beginning 2.4.08

2008-02-05T08:08:00.000-06:00

This week we will focus on lighting. We will do outdoor and indoor photo shoots. We will evaluate photos. We will also begin our abc project.

We will refer to this link on Tuesday:

http://www.scphoto.com/main/page_techniques_lighting.html

Update from Mrs. D

2008-01-29T21:44:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone! I am having a great time at the conference and learning / thinking about lots of ways to make learning more meaningful and relevant for you! I miss seeing y'all in the classroom, and am looking forward to seeing your projects on Thursday.

I heard that y'all had problems with the quiz. It works fine from the Hilton, so maybe it is some weird network security thing. It would be kind of ironic if the school's security kept out a linked quiz...but just maybe it did. Anyway, don't worry about it. I can get it to you when I return. I am confident that if you have been active and involved in class, you will be successful on the quiz!

Well, keep up the great work on the projects. If you finish early, please let Ms. Burge know. She has some other daily work for you!

Peace!

Mrs D

Week of January 28, 2008: Digital Photography

2008-01-27T12:22:00.000-06:00

This week we will continue to work on our emotions project.

On Monday, you will have the opportunity to finish your photo shoot that began on Friday. We will also review for the Quiz, which will be given on Tuesday. We will also review a few basics of MS PowerPoint in order for you to incorporate them into your project.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I will be at a conference. You are expected to work diligently toward the completion of your project during this time. The sub will be instructed to monitor the progress you are making on your project. The sub will also be instructed that only one student can be out of the room at a time--and that will be only for restroom breaks and office requests. You will not be allowed to take photos outside of the classroom during these 2 days, so work accordingly on Monday.

Tuesday:

1. Take this quiz:

http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/studentCenter/index.cfm?cdCode=BC5C-BAC5

I can tell when it was taken, and it will only allow one attempt. You will take this at a time instructed by the substitute on Tuesday.

2. Choose the photos you are planning on using in your project. Begin editing each photo using MS Photo Editor or Picasa. Do NOT delete any photos, as we are running into some problems with deleting in Picasa.

3. You may choose to display your photo in more than one way...e.g. the original, and the edited version(s). This will still count as one piece, but could definitely help with the Wow! points.

Wednesday:
1. Finish up any editing on your photos.
2. Add your photos into the slideshow you are creating to display your photos.
3. Review the requirements for this project that are located in your colored folder.
4. Don't forget to label your photos....keep in mind that you don't have to do this a uniform way...you do have some leeway on the creativity scale.
5. Your photos are what I am looking at the most, but presentation counts! You should take special care to create an appealing product that showcases your work. This will help with Wow! points as well.
6. Be ready to present your work on Thursday!

Extensions / Extras:
1. digital photography crossword puzzle
2. digital photography writing assignment
3. freerice.com vocabulary builder

Thursday:
Presentations

Friday:
Finish Presentations
Lighting unit
Alphabet Project explained

Focal B& W

2008-01-24T11:01:00.000-06:00

Today we used Picasa for the first time. You can get this as a free download. You'll just need to google Picasa, and then go to the first link and download it at home.

Here is one thing you can do with Picasa. There are many others. If you missed class today, you'll need to work with me to get caught up on the many features of this software.

Wednesday, January 23rd

2008-01-22T03:45:00.000-06:00

Please complete the assignments in this order:

Note:
You may complete the assignments on notebook paper or email your responses to me at: oghstechnology@gmail.com.

If you email me, be sure to include your name in the subject line.

These are for a daily grade.

Assignment #1:
Read this article on Megapixel Myths produced by the New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/technology/08pogue.html

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the main idea of this article?
2. Is the article from a reputable source? Why or Why not?
3. What tests were performed for this article?
4. What was the result of the test?
5. What does the author think is a myth?
6. What impact (if any) will the article have on future buying decisions for you?

Assignment #2:

Using the internet, research how megapixels affect printing. Complete the chart on the handout provided. (Keep the chart to study...we're having a quiz on Tuesday).

Assignment #3:

Read the following article on Megapixels:
http://www.digicamguides.com/learn/megapixels.html

Respond to the article by answering the following:

1. Megapixel definition
2. Effective megapixel definition
3. According to the article, when do you need a lot of megapixels?
4. How may 2.0 megapixel photos can I store on a 16MB memory card?
5. How may 8.0 megapixel photos can I store on a 16MB memory card?
6. If I want to be able to print an 8 X 10 photo every now and then, what size megapixel camera would you recommend based upon this article?

Assignment #4:

Using the internet, research the following image formats. Be sure to compare, contrast and define each format in your bell journal. Hint: You may want to keyword search the following: image file formats in your search engine.

1. TIFF
2. JPEG
3. RAW
4. GIF

Assignment #5:

Work on using digital imaging to improve your daily photos! Save the changes in the appropriate folder. In order to do this, you will need to create a folder called Digitized Images. You will create the folder inside your daily folder. You will save five altered images to this folder. You should use MS Photo Editor to alter the images.

Week Beginning Tuesday, January 22, 2008

2008-01-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

Tuesday:

We will look at horizontal vs. vertical pictures a little more indepth. We will consult the following articles:

Horizontal vs Vertical

By Lorelle VanFossen

Which to use? Vertical or Horizontal Format?

Assignment #1:

Pick 3 subjects. At least one needs to be vertically oriented, and one needs to be horizontally oriented. Take photos of each of your 3 subjects using vertical and horizontal shots. Do not be afraid to try different distances, angles, etc.

Assignment #2: Using digital photo editing software to crop photos and edit orientations.

Wednesday:

We will continue working with digital editing using a tool called Picasa. You will store your edited photos in a folder in your daily folder called, Picasa Practice.

We will also look at image file formats. Individually, you will define:
TIFF
JPEG or JPG
RAW

You will complete a chart that gives the compression ratio. You will also be responsible for comparing and contrasting JPEG and RAW file formats.

Next, we will look t image resolution and compression levels. We will examine the megapixels vs. the print size and the image resolution. We will draw conclusions on how megapixels affect print size.

Thursday: We will begin exploring the rule of thirds and examine how this rule affects photo composition. We will also discuss filling the frame, andISo settings / light sensitivity.

We will work on photographing human emotion.

Friday: We will continue with working on lighting and choosing the proper lighting. We will define lighting: natural, incadescent, flourescent, tungsten, etc. We will use image editos to adjust lighting.

We will continue photographing emotion.

Thursday, January 17th

2008-01-16T20:32:00.001-06:00

Well, we've been very busy this week looking at perspectives. We've made several photos using distance, perspective, angles and zoom. I love the optical illusions you have created so far. If the weather permits we will be going outside to set up some perspective photos.

Additionally, your group needs to be settling on the best six photos for your presentation that will happen no later than Friday of this week.

Furthermore, as a group, you need to type a written evaluation of each of the six photos you chose. You may type your responses in a single document. You will need to place it in the Perspectives folder.

For each of the six photos you will answer the following:

A. How did you take this photo?
B. Why did you select this photo to showcase?
C. What could have improved the photo?

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Week beginning January 14, 2008 - Digital Photography

2008-01-15T12:19:00.000-06:00

We are off to a running start in digital photography. So far the following skills should be mastered:

basic camera operation--on, off, battery, flash, menu
angles - low, high, and eye level
zoom -- optical and digital
photography---traditional vs. digital
digital photography storage
images -- binary code, bitmaps, and pixels

This week we will focus on a project called Perspectives. In this project we are using angles, zoom, and distance to create optical illusions. We will not use any editing software on our photos. Our goal is to create interesting pieces that allow you to apply your zoom, angle, and depth skills. You will also learn the global concept of working with others and giving/receiving direction.

Presentations of projects will be on Friday. Please see your colored folders for the grading criteria. Of course, I welcome your comments and questions.

Thursday, January 10 Activities

2008-01-10T18:14:00.000-06:00

Today was a fabulous day in digital photography despite the bad weather!

We defined the terms: photography, angle, high angle, low angle, eye level and subject. We did a class activity for a daily grade that involved taking photos of a subject from various distances and angles. If you missed today, you will need to see me in order to get instructions to make up the classwork.

In all classes, except fourth block, we set up our bell journals. Fourth block will set up their journal on Friday.

Welcome to Digital Photography!

2008-01-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

We are off to a great start!

On the first day of class, 1-8, we went over the syllabus, the class expectations, and discussed how the course it set up. Everyone should have received a syllabus and a permission slip. Also, lab fees of $20.00 are due during the first 2 weeks of the course. Please contact me if you need to make alternate arrangements.

On the second day of class, 1-9, we set up our file management system and discussed why it was so important. Then, we became familiar with the promethean board and the activoter system. Next, we explored why it is important to study photography and how photography is relevant to our world. Next, we learned basic camera operations such as powering on / off, batteries, memory card storage, card readers, loading photos, and using flash.

I am so excited to be working with this group of young people!!!!

I Hope You Dance- A Photography Slideshow

2007-12-14T17:14:00.001-06:00

photography slideshow

Light Tents

2007-11-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

Example of using a light tent v. not using a light tent:

http://picasaweb.google.com/oghstechnology/LightTentExample

How to make the light tent Mrs. D made:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

Why use a light tent?

You get to answer this question this week by comparing and contrasting work products and photographs that are taken with and without a light tent. Then, you can tell ME why you need one or don't. This is going to be interesting to say the least...but heh, when was the last time you got a grade on making something out of cardboard, duct tape and tissue paper? LOL

Mrs. D

Macrophotography

2007-11-04T21:46:00.001-06:00

Here is a link to a website with macrophotography galleries:

http://www.macrophotography.com/site/map/map.html

Tips for using macrophotography with point and shoot cameras:

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/macro-photography-tips-for-compact-digital-camera-users/

Google Earth

2007-10-22T08:03:00.000-05:00

Google Earth

You have been assigned the task of developing a virtual field trip. You will need to follow this tutorial in order to create your field trip:

http://www.googletouring.com/create.php

Also, you will need to take extra special care in saving your field trip to your student account. I can show you how to do this. Do not assume that just because your trip is in My Places it is also in your account---It is NOT!

Directions

Your virtual tour must be done alone.

Step One: Complete the tutorial from the link at the beginning of this page.
Step Two: Brainstorm on what type of trip you are going to take. It must include 4 locations.
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Baseball stadiums in the US
New York City Attractions
Major mountain ranges
The continents
Places I one day hope to visit
Where my ancestors are from

Again, pick something that is of interest to you and have fun with it!

Step Three: Skim this page for Tips and Hints. You should consider the tips and hints included in this page mandatory. Violation of these tips/hints will result in grade point deductions.

Step Four: Begin planning your tour. Scout out locations that you think will make an interesting tour as well as fall into the general category you choose.

Step Five: Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your trip!

Welcome to Advanced SW Topics!

2007-10-15T18:56:00.000-05:00

Getting Familiar with the Photoshop Toolbar

http://www.easyelements.com/basics.html

Zits Away!

http://www.naturalbodyskincare.com/images/pimples.jpg

Today we will help get rid of nasty zits...at least in photos!

Link to Download Photos for Photoshop Elements Activities

http://www.scottkelbybooks.com/elementsphotos.html

Companion links to go with the activities to remove dark circles, wrinkles, and freckles.

Welcome to Beginning Programming!

2007-10-15T18:51:00.000-05:00

This week we will focus on understanding data and how it is represented in the computer. We will also look a the history of computing. Finally, we will begin examining C# and begin writing simple programs in it. You have a quiz on Friday.

Resource 1:

We will use this link in class as we evaluate how many bytes are needed to store items.

Resource 2:
http://www.pccomputernotes.com/numbering/numbering02.htm

Resource 3:

Go to the following link and read the article:
http://edition.cnn.com/TECH/space/9909/30/mars.metric.02/

Then, email me at oghstechnology@yahoo.com the following about the article:

Who
What
When
Where
Why

Week of 9/24/07

2007-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

Photographers: We will be working to complete our black and white galleries. We will also have a "show" where we share our photos and celebrate our accomplishments. We will then begin looking a little deeper into photojournalism by applying our black and white photographer skills into a How-to project. Your pictures will need to clearly provide the user details and instructions. A handout will be provided in class.

Programmers: We will continue working on chapter 4 concepts. Daily grades will be taken each day over labs and class exercises. On Monday, we will review the basic concepts in Ch. 4 including variable declarations, constant declarations, data types, global declarations, local declarations, variable scope, and customizing the user interface. On Tuesday, a practice lab will be assigned and so will questions from the chapter. On Wednesday, the order of operations will be practiced and emphasized. Practice problems will be assigned on the order. Also, a programming lab will be assigned. On Thursday, students will perform chapter reinforcement, and will program a practice lab. On Friday, students will build on their understanding of the concepts and vocabulary in Ch. 4 by completing a crossword puzzle. A practice test will also be given, in order to target areas that need improvement.

Instructions and Grading for Black and White Proj.

2007-09-17T21:59:00.000-05:00