Description
To produce quality images for the web, students need to understand how digital images are created and then learn and apply essential graphic design principles. Fireworks is an image editing program designed to create images, effects, and optimization especially for web pages. This unit is project=based, so students plan and evaluate the images they produce.
During the first quarter, students learn to create, modify, and optimize a variety of digital images. They compare image file size and quality during creation of their graphics. The unit balances instruction of specific techniques with encouraging students to research technical aspects of the program on their own. Students are introduced to project evaluation and reflection to incorporate solutions into subsequent projects.
Digital Design Objectives
| 1.1: Introduction to Graphics and Copyright |
Guide: Principles and Rules of Coyright
Guide: Internet Citations
Guide: Sampe Student Document |
| 1.2: Introduction to Scanning |
Scanner
Objects to scan
Drawing materials (colored pencils, paper, tape, scissors, etc.)
File folders for each student
Guide: Scanning
Guide: How to Scan Images without Image-Editing Software
Presentation: Introduction to Scanning |
| 1.3: Using a Digital Camera |
One or more digital cameras
Memory sticks or other digital storgage
USB or other connections for memory
USB setup on computers for digital memory access |
| 1.4: Optimizing Graphics for the Web |
Worksheet: Fireworks 8 Optimize Panel
Guide: Fireworks 8 Optimize Panel
Guide: How to Optimize GIF Images
Guide: How to Optimize JPEG Images
Sample optimization images (two GIFs and two JPEGs) |
| 1.5: Makine a Nameplate |
Worksheet: Fireworks 8 Tools
Guide: Fireworks 8 Panels
Guide: How to Build a Nameplate
Guide: How to Create Effects
Worksheet: Nameplate Interview |
| 1.6: Planning a Logo |
Grid paper
Drawing materials (see above)
Presentation: Introduction to Graphic Design
Presentation: Storyboards |
| 1.7: Building a Logo |
Students' logo storyboards from Activity 1.6 |
| 1.8: Logo Review and Redesign |
Worksheet: Logo Review and Redesign |
| 1.9: Planning a Page Banner |
Examples of page banners of varyied designs
Grid paper (optional)
Drawing materials (see above) |
| 1.10: Building a Page Banner |
Students' page banner storyboards from Activity 1.9
Guide: How to Create a Page Banner |
| 1.11: Page Banner Review and Redesign |
Worksheet: Page Banner Review and Redesign
Guide: Review and Redesign Presentation Topics |
Projects
Project 2: Digital Portfolio
Resources
Macromedia FireworksMX - Training from the Source
