<< Blackboard Course Management >>

Blackboard is course management software that will be used to deliver the lessons to the students, send e-mail to other class members, check personal progress and grades, maintain a calendar, keep a task list, provide opportunity for chat or/and post to a Discussion Board. Online classes have NO regular class meetings.

There is a link to Blackboard (lower right corner) from the ACC home page at: http://www.austincc.edu/. This link, http://acconline.austincc.edu, takes you directly to the Blackboard log-in page.

Students will be expected to check class announcements in Blackboard and maintain contact (minimum once a week) with the instructor and other students through Blackboard's e-mail and participate in the class Discussion Board Forums.

Getting Started in Blackboard:

  • Select the Digital Imaging class link. Download the current syllabus and course outline. (See links on the left side of the class page.)
  • Select the Discussion Board area and introduce yourself to the class in the Introductions Forum. Add a photo of yourself along with your introduction.
  • Go to the Assignments of Blackboard to see course materials and work to be completed by week. Check out the Week 1, Introductory folder to make sure all the start up items are completed, then go to the Week 1 to 2 folder. Read the instructions and download assignments as directed.

<< Class Structure >>

An online class requires independent workers who are able to work on their own and solve problems. The same information is covered at the same time in both the online and lab sections.

Topics are grouped and put in folders by week in the Blackboard Assignments section. CIB tutors and instructor provided "practices" will be used to enable students to build selected skills. Online quizzes are used in Digital Imaging I, and Study Guides are used in Digital Imaging II. These cover selected skills and topics covered in the tutors and course notes. Practices, tutors and projects announced one week are due the following week. Regular weekly reminders are sent to students with updates with specifics.

There are 3 to 4 minor projects and at least 2 major projects in each of the Digital Imaging I and II classes. Students are expected to use the Discussion Board in Blackboard to share their projects with other class members and comment on each other's work. Most work can be completed in about 8 hours per week (comparable to lab time) in the summer. But most students spend more time on projects.

The instructor will be available for online demonstrations and e-mail messages. Office hours will be posted and students are welcome to meet and/or call instructor for help.

<< Textbook/ Software Resources >>

Digital Imaging I students have a required textbook:
Classroom in a Book, Adobe Photoshop CS4 (Online students should purchase the version of the book that they are using on their own computers.) Use www.addall.com to search for texts and other books for the least expensive prices. Peachpit Press is the publisher of most Adobe and graphic arts titles at http://www.peachpit.com/. Do not use Amazons super saver shipping... it can take up tp three weeks for delivery!

ACC now has a special student discount with Adobe for purchasing their software. CS4 is the current version announced fall 2008. Check out the following link at: http://austincc.academicsuperstore.com Prices include handling/shipping.

In addition, readings, web sites and other materials are provided from which to study. Images or links to images are made available for students to use.