Regardless of what book(s) a teacher uses for programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, or Dreamweaver, certain functions, methods, and practices are difficult to get across to students. Be it fine-tuning curves in Illustrator (or any program with a "Pen" tool) or the proper use of layers, certain things are just difficult to teach.
In an effort to continually improve the efficacy of our books, Against The Clock is seeking input from people using -- or thinking about using -- our Portfolio Series of textbooks.
To do so, we need your input. For each of the five applications we just mentioned -- PS, AI, ID, FL, and DW -- we would appreciate a list of the ten technical issues you have the most trouble with. Using these lists, we at ATC will work to develop a library of ancillary materials for you all to use -- focusing on exactly the things you find the most problematic.
We look forward to your input, and promise to work hard on creating the best and most effective teacher's materials anywhere, for any series of books.
Ellenn Behoriam, President
http://www.againsttheclock.com
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3 comments:
Hi Ellenn,
Great idea!
1. AI pen tool
2. AI transform tools
3. AI gradient mesh tool (your apple lesson in the CS3 book is great!)
4. Clipping masks
5. The concept of layer masks and why you want to use non-destructive methods in PS
6. Concepts of "image size"
7. How to keep that transparent background in a PS image
8. Correct use of Tabs and leaders in InDesign
9. Good typesetting control (Orphans, Widows, Hyphens) in InDesign
10. CSS in Dreamweaver
I agree these are sticky concepts that students can't seem to get their heads around.
1. I need help on specifics like the newest Photoshop TeeShirt Design and how the artists are doing spot color separations.
2. Also how to teach about PDF's....there are so many settings and little documentation.
3. Basic care of the Mac OS Operating System.My students need to know how to manage and maintain their computer.
4. Mac to PC Text handling, as this is problematic for students transporting homework from home to school.
6. Concepts of "image size" explained with visuals.
7. How to keep that transparent background in a PS image, when to use clipping paths.
8. Correct use of Tabs and leaders in InDesign and AI
9. Good typesetting control (Orphans, Widows, Hyphens) in InDesign (visuals on all features)
10. CSS in Dreamweaver
The pen tool. It would be very helpful to have an online video where students could see how to use (and control) this tool.
This would be very useful, for example, in Project 1 in the Photoshop book where students need to use the pen tool to outline the bottle. Many of my online students end up using a lot of short straight segments because they can't figure out how to control the tool and make curved segments.
It would also help with the Illustrator book.
Anne Steinberg at Milwaukee Area Technical College
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