>Online Class Information

Download the master course syllabi and calendar at the courses link from this site. The most recent personalized syllabi are in class Blackboard site. Printed versions will be provided at the lab orientations. The online classes contain the same content and assignments as the Digital Imaging lab classes.

Download and fill in this attached student information form (PDF) to return to the instructor. This form may be attached or copied and pasted into an e-mail.

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 the end of the first week of the semester, August 28, 2009 to make sure you are clear about all the course requirements and how to get started.

In Class Orientations (joining lab class session):
DI 1 9:30 to 10:30 Thursday August 27

DI 2 3:30 to 4:30 Thursday August 27

Both sessions in 4206 Northridge campus with Donna Pauler

Live Online Orientation Sessions via internet:
DI 1 and DI 2 combined 8:00 pm, Thursday August 27 at the following URL: http://webconnect.austincc.edu/bbdemo with Donna Pauler
Additional orientation times to be announced.

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

There is a link to Blackboard (upper right) 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. Rev and updated August 21, 2008 for new BB v8.

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 Class: Once a student logs into Blackboard do the following:

• Check your e-mail address in the Personal Information area (see link in side bar) from the home page. Be sure to know your ACC gmail account. This will be used to make contact throughout the course.
• Go to the Digital Imaging class link in BB. Select the Syllabus and Course Outline links. 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, Unit 1 folder. Read the instructions and download assignments as directed.

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 II. These cover selected skills and topics covered in the textbooks, tutors and course notes. Practices, tutors and projects announced one week are typically due the following week. Regular weekly reminders are sent to students with updates with specific due dates.

There are 3 to 4 minor projects or exercises and at least 1 major project 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 5 to 8 hours per week (comparable to lab time) during the semester. However, most students spend additional time on projects.

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

Photoshop CS 3 or CS 4 is required. Students may purchase software at academic prices with id and proof they are enrolled in school (see below). 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 or South Austin campus.) It is also useful to have Microsoft Word, however Notepad or Macintosh's Text Edit program should be sufficient. A page layout program is suggested but not required ( InDesign, QuarkXPress). Access to a fairly recent computer, Windows or Macintosh platform is required.
*The labs will used CS 4 software and the class structure will follow the CS 4 Classroom in a Book beginning in the summer of 09. See below.

ACC now has a special student discount with Adobe for purchasing software. CS4 is the current version announced late fall 2008. Check out the following link at: http://www.academicsuperstore.com/institution/select/ 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.