<< Online Connection and Software Requirements >>

If you cannot comply with all the below requirements I reserve the right to drop you from the class. From experience teaching online classes I am very clear that you cannot succeed in this online class if you do not have the correct tools. If you have any questions about these requirements contact me immediately!

>> ALL COMMUNICATION IS THROUGH YOUR ACC GMAIL ACCOUNT.
SET IT UP NOW AND CHECK OFTEN! <<

Online classes require a large degree of independence and self motivation. You can take a short quize to test your readiness at this web page: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/SelfAssess.html. Students will need to send large files and projects. A high speed internet connection such as Road Runner, SBCGlobal.net or comparable is essential.

  1. Students should have a basic knowledge of computer skills, e-mail, methods for compressing files using Zip or Stuff It compression utilities and saving images as JPEGs or GIFs. If you are not sure what these are you need to do an online session with me to review.
    Visit this site to test your basic skills http://dl.austincc.edu/students/TechCheck.html
  2. In addition, because Photoshop layered files may be very large, screen shots are requested of palettes and other information. Please become familiar with screen shots on the computer platform (Mac or Windows) that you use.
  3. Photoshop 10 (CS 3) OR 11, (CS 4*) is required. Students may purchase software at academic prices with id and proof they are enrolled in school (click here for info).
  4. Access to a scanner and/or digital camera is essential for successful completion of the class. (Students may access the scanners in the labs at Northridge and South Austin campus.)
  5. You must also have a word processing or page layout program that you can use such as Microsoft Word, however Notepad or Macintosh's Text Edit program should be sufficient. A page layout program is suggested but not required (PageMaker, InDesign, QuarkXPress, Pages).
  6. Access to a fairly recent computer, Windows or Macintosh is strongly suggested. Old computers with nominal memory and slow speed with "out of date" software are insufficient.

<< Online Class Orientation >>

New students to online classes are required to attend a Blackboard orientation session for Digital Imaging classes (information below). Allow about one hour. In addition all students should complete the following:

  • Download the course syllabi and calendar here or at the courses link from this site. The most recent personalized syllabi are in class Blackboard site.
  • Download and fill in this attached information form (rich text document) to return to the instructor. This form may be copied and pasted into an e-mail. Be sure to use your ACC gmail account! All Blackboard communication uses your ACC gmail account!
    Fill in and send to instructor.
  • Online students must provide a photo of themselves or meet with instructor to have photos taken to be used for online introductions and selected projects. Photos may be taken of the students during lab orientations or students may set up a time to meet with instructor.
  • Be sure to contact instructor by May 1st to make sure you are clear about all the course requirements and how to get started. akennedy@austincc.edu
  • Be sure to review the Distance Learning area of the ACC website. You are responsible for the material included here--
    distance learning/students/ this link will help you succeed with your online class Success

Proposed Fall Orientation Times for online students.

Live Online Orientation Sessions via internet
7:30 to 8:30 pm Tuesday, August25 at the following URL:
http://webconnect.austincc.edu/kennedy_bbdemo/ with Ann Kennedy

1:30 to 2:30 pm Saturday, August 29th at the following URL:
http://webconnect.austincc.edu/kennedy_bbdemo/ with Ann Kennedy

Log in as a "guest" with your full name. This way your participation is documented. If the scheduled time is not possible another time for meeting online or in person may be arranged. Confirm with instructor.

Live Classroom orientations at NRG 4206 will be held for the Fall 09 semester as follows (Additional times may be added):

  • Thursday August 27th during lab class NRG 4206 with Ann Kennedy

Confirm with instructor regarding your attendance at orientations or to make arrangements for meeting.

E-mail or call the instructor as follows: Ann Kennedy akennedy@austincc.edu 512.569.1630.

<< 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. This class has 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.

To download a PDF of Blackboard organization for the Digital Imaging classes click here: Blackboard Introduction PDF. This describes the location of Digital Imaging assignments and documents used in the digital imaging classes.

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.