How to undertake the design process and the artistic process, beginning with a problem, concept or goal and finishing with the best solution. (2.6-2.14 Approach to Problem Solving and Abstract and Creative Thinking, 5.22 Intent, 5.24 Artistic Problem Solving)
How to effectively express your ideas using the appropriate digital tools. (VTF 1.6 Artistic Dimensions of Expression, 5.5 Point of View, 5.28 Artistic Proficiency, 5.29 5.30 Visual Arts)
How to speak and write critically in specific terms about your own work, the work of other students and the work of significant filmmakers. (VTF 5.6 Critique and Revision, 5.23 Critique, VTF 5.4 Aesthetic Judgment)
How to work with others to achieve solutions to design problems. (3.10-3.14 Personal Development: Relationships)
What do we do in this class? The assignments listed on the Course Outline are designed to teach you design skills and challenge you to think of creative ideas within set limitations. I’ll give you the background and teach the skills in class, and then you will identify limitations, propose a variety of solutions, test your proposals, and finally execute your design. You will present each of your assignments to the rest of the class in a “critique,” which is a fancy art word for sharing your work and getting constructive feedback from your classmates. And you will also be asked to critique their work. You will have many opportunities to work independently and with groups as well as to learn on your own through hands-on application of the ideas.
Is there homework in this class? Because most of our projects rely on software that many of you do not have at home, the majority of the assignments will be completed in class. There may be brief assignments, like a journal reflection or interview, to be completed outside of class time, but this is rare.
Do I need to take notes in this class? Almost everything that is presented will be posted in written form on our Moodle site (http://campus.vtacad.net), so there is little need to take written notes unless it helps you as a learner.
Can I eat in the classroom? Let’s ask the SBHS Handbook! Here’s what it says on page 11: “There is no food allowed in the library, computer labs, gymnasium and auditorium. Food is only allowed in classrooms as part of the instructional activities approved by the teacher. Students may have drinking water in class.” And this class meets in a computer lab, so no food or drink, please.
What happens if I miss class? If your absence is excused you will need to make work you missed and you may need to use time outside of class for this. And since many of these projects require you to work with other students in class (that’s the nature of filmmaking, after all), your absences will impact everyone, so please consider class attend a high priority. And, if your absence is unexcused, you’ll need to appeal to stay in the course (See SBHS Handbook p. 18).
How will I be graded? The instructor will provide specific guidelines and rubrics for all projects when they are assigned. Short-term assignments like journals, critiques and discussions are generally worth 10 points while larger unit projects are typically 100-point assignments. In terms of deadlines, these are just one of the “limitations” that present themselves in the world of design, and it is important to learn to work within the set limitations! Please have your projects ready to view on the due date or it will impact your grade.
Can I get extra credit? If you are interested in going beyond the scope of an assignment or creating additional videos for extra credit, please speak to me to arrange this. Only pre-approved extra credit work will be considered.
What if I lose or break this expensive equipment? Great question! There are many pieces of expensive equipment used in this class, like computers, scanners, cameras, and microphones. Some of the equipment is small and desirable to thieves (like the cameras). This means you need to take EXTRA care when you use the equipment, and, like your textbooks and graphing calculators, you are responsible for replacing equipment you borrow. Try to be careful and plan on when you will borrow and return equipment. Also, never leave equipment in the classroom and consider it “returned.” Always hand it directly to me to be sure it gets where it needs to go and you get credit for returning it.
What if I need help with my work or have questions about the course or an assignment? Students and parents are always welcome to communicate with me via phone (652-7058) or electronic mail (jshields@sbschools.net).
I thought plagiarism only related to copying someone else’s writing? On page 39, the SBHS Handbook defines plagiarism as “knowingly representing the work of another as one’s own.” Using another persons work, in whatever form, in Exploring Digital Design is a violation of the SBHS Academic Honesty policy.
