Assignments

=4/10/12= Research: What are "curly quotes?" When should they be used? What are "straight quotes"? When should they be used? How can you insert one kind or the other in Word? What is Word's default quote style? = = =3/26/12= Your client for the All State Guard Service job has decided she would like to have the company logo on the time sheets. You can find it by going to the company website, but it is a .gif with color background. You will need to remove the color, and save the file as a .jpg for Scribus to be happy with it.

=3/23/12= Assignment: Rubric:
 * Dropsheet with fonts/graphics listed and detailed sketch
 * Correct dimensions (4.25 x 5.5)
 * Graphic included, appropriate, and placed in top 1"
 * Name/title in lower .75"
 * Lined
 * Student's logo in bottom right corner, no more than .2"x.2"
 * Created in Word
 * Saved as a template (.dot)

=5/4/09= [|HTML Tutorial]. Work through this, doing the exercises as they come along. Pay ATTENTION to what you are doing! = = =4/23/09= Slight Change of Gears: Read the article at About.com on the [|7 Deadly Sins of PowerPoint]. Create a 16 slide presentation as follows:
 * 1) Slide One - Title slide
 * 2) Slides 2-15 -
 * 3) One slide presenting information that demonstrates the "sin"
 * 4) One slide that shows how to present the same information without the "sin"
 * 5) Slide Sixteen - Summary Slide

4/20/09
Vocabulary 3 (on the Vocabulary page) due End Of Class tomorrow (Tues, 4/21). You do not have to submit anything, but you WILL have a quiz over Vocab 3.

4/16/09
Looking ahead... Part of your Final Exam for this course will be submitting a portfolio of your work in two forms, electronic and in print. You should start looking at your completed projects and deciding what you want to include. I will be looking for examples of Start gathering your files now. :)
 * typography
 * conserving memory by choice of graphic format (jpg, gif, tiff, etc.)
 * use of elements of design (text, graphics, headlines, white space)
 * use of principles of design in type (widows/orphans, text wrap, leading/kerning)
 * use of principles of design (balance, contrast, white space, consistency, repetition, alignment, proximity)

What's on the Menu?
Use the handout to design a menu for your favorite restaurant (or the restaurant of your dreams). Examine several examples online before you begin your design. Remember to submit a Planning Sheet before you begin production.

4/2/09
(Resources: [|Advertising Design], [|Ad Layouts and Templates], [|SBA], [|100 Marketing ideas].)
 * Advertising 101**
 * 1) Create a Word document and save it as //YLN_Advertising//. Research and write a 3-5 paragraph explanation of advertising, being certain to include: the definition of advertising, the advantages of advertising, at least 6 modes of advertising (look it up), and your advice to others on what is important in advertising. Remember to cite your sources.
 * 2) Your ad can be for your own company, or you may design an ad for any other business (school-appropriate, that is). Complete a Planning Sheet for the newspaper ad. Items to include:
 * 3) Your target audience (who are you trying to "get" with this ad?)
 * 4) Your Headline/Title text and any subheading you might need to include
 * 5) Graphics that
 * 6) Enhance the headline
 * 7) Illustrate what you are advertising (service or product)
 * 8) Contact information
 * 9) Highlights of the service/product, in a bulleted list
 * 10) Some kind of "hook" to get the client in
 * 11) A thumbnail sketch of your ad
 * 12) Let me approve the planning sheet
 * 13) Create a new file in Scribus and save it as //YLN_newspaper.// Your ad will be 6 x 10 on a sheet of 8.5 x 11. Draw a rectangle the correct size, using a 1 pt border, put it on the bottom layer of your Scribus file and lock it.
 * 14) Add a new layer and name it "ad." Place your advertising information on this layer.
 * 15) Your ad should look professional. Use no more than 2 fonts, use the principles and elements of design as you create the ad.

3/31/09
Another assignment on the Stationery page, this time for your personal business card. Remember to complete a planning sheet that includes the names of the font/s you will use, any graphics you will use, and a thumbnail sketch of the business card.

3/27/09
When you have finished your letterhead and envelope (see the Stationery page) you have a true DTP job. **Scenario:** your neighbor is getting ready to have a 50's theme birthday party for her 5 year-old daughter. She has already found the perfect invitations, and wants you to design the text so she can print your file onto the card stock.
 * Information to include:
 * 5th birthday party
 * Alexandra is the child's name
 * Party is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th
 * Address is 8934 FM 1960E, Humble, TX
 * RSVP to 123-333-5512
 * refreshments will be hamburgers, cake and ice cream
 * people should dress in 50's style
 * download a copy of the [|invitation]
 * SAVE it as //YourLastName//_invite
 * Create a planning sheet that includes the dimensions of the card (5.5x8), the font/s you will use, and a thumbnail of the layout
 * Use Scribus to create the file
 * Have me evaluate your completed invitation

3/26/2009
Continue working on the Stationery projects.

3/24/09

 * Upload a screenshot of your completed bumper sticker to the new Bumper Sticker page. Because you have included your logo, we should be able to easily identify which sticker is yours.
 * Go to the Stationery page for your next set of projects.

3/13/09
See 3/12/09.

3/12/09
If you haven't turned in your "Font_Exercise" file, I need it NOW.

Bumper Sticker Project
You are going to create a bumper sticker to: promote the school OR advertise a product or business OR support a political issue OR just be funny (while staying school appropriate)..

Use the handout //Project #2// as your guide. Complete a planning sheet before you start working on the computer version of your bumper sticker. Be sure to include a 0.5" copy of your logo in the lower left corner of the finished bumper sticker.

3/11/09

 * 1) Open your "Font_Exercise" file.
 * 2) Put your name in the lower lefthand corner, in 6 pt. Arial.
 * 3) Go to File-->Export
 * 4) Save as PDF
 * 5) Follow all the onscreen instructions.
 * 6) Save it on Burleson Kids
 * 7) Print the PDF and bring it to me

Things to remember about your logo:

 * It should not be too complex. The best logos are those that are easy to read and recognize
 * Use only one font in your logo
 * It should look good at any size. Remember, you will be using your logo on almost everything from here on in.

About the assignment:

 * Use Inkscape to create your logo and save it two ways: as an Inkscape file AND as a .svg file
 * You may want to use Kuler (http://kuler.adobe.com) to help develop a color scheme. Remember to write down the 3-5 colors you will be using for your projects (get the Hex as well as the RGB and CMYK color codes)
 * You should develop at least 3 (and no more than 5) versions of your logo. Post ALL .svg versions to your page here on the wiki, and have them numbered.
 * Go to each other's pages and vote on the version you like best for each student's logo (use the discussion tab to vote)

Next Assignment

 * 1) In Scribus, save a new file as //YLN_Font_Exercise// (8.5 x 11, 1 inch margins on all sides)
 * 2) Type each of these words or phrases in a separate text box on the same page
 * < MTV ||<  ||< Happy Birthday! ||<   ||< Dave Matthews Band ||<   ||< Global Warming ||<   ||< You're Fired! ||
 * < Happy Mother's Day ||<  ||< Comic Book ||<   ||< American Idol ||<   ||< The Stock Market Crashes ||<   ||< Desktop Publishing Class ||
 * < The Gap ||<  ||< Horror Show ||<   ||< NEW! ||<   ||< Out of This Galaxy ||<   ||< New York Times ||
 * < Poster Headline ||<  ||< Spring Break! ||<   ||< 8th Grade Graduation ||<   ||< Tarkington ISD ||<   ||< Cleveland, TX ||
 * 1) Arrange the boxes on the page in whatever pattern you wish (staying inside the margins)
 * 2) SAVE frequently
 * 3) Set each word or phrase in a different font/typestyle/size. Try to select fonts that coordinate well with the meaning of each word or phrase on the list.

HOMEWORK (yes, you heard right)
Watch for and read bumper stickers on the way home today and on the way to school tomorrow.

3/2/09

 * 1) Assuming you have finished the Scribus AND wiki versions of the module, explore the links posted on Friday for starting your own business. Of particular interest are the links on Brainstorming Your Business Name and Tagline and Creating Your Business Logo (the others can be read at your leisure).
 * 2) Download the [[file:Planning Sheet.doc]] and print multiple copies. Store these in your folder in the filing cabinet (any left out will be tossed in the Recycling Box). You will be required to complete at least one planning sheet for EACH project.
 * 3) Download, Save, Read and COMMIT TO HEART the [[file:DTP Tips_Tricks.doc]] file. Refer to this document often as you work on the projects.
 * 4) Complete a Planning Sheet for your company Logo and bring it to me for discussion
 * 5) Start creating your logo in Inkscape and save it as a .svg file

2/27/09
When you have finished the Scribus AND wiki versions of the module, research starting your own business:

Hang Out Your Shingle
Once you've decided to take the plunge and start your home-based business, it will need an identity of its own. Creating an identity for your home business is not particularly difficult, but it pays to go about it in an orderly fashion so you won't have to back and re-do a lot of the steps you've already taken. These articles tell you how to go about hanging our your home business shingle with a minimum of headaches and inconvenience.
 * [|Brainstorm Your Business Name and Tagline]
 * [|Establish a Business Address and Phone Number]
 * [|Get an Employer ID Numbers (EIN) from the IRS]
 * [|Create Your Business Logo]
 * [|Order Your Business Cards or Make Your Own]
 * [|Order Business Stationery or Make Your Own]
 * [|Get Your Website Up and Running]

2/24/09

 * 1) Copy your Scribus module to a folder with the names of the participants. Put a copy of all images in the folder. Put the folder in the laptop computer.
 * 2) Select a module from the wiki that someone else has prepared. Work through the module and give the creator/s written feedback. Give me a copy of your feedback as well.

2/18/09
You need to be able to multi-task today. Your module (Scribus file AND wiki page) is due Friday. In addition, you have new vocabulary which is due at the **beginning of class tomorrow**.

The vocabulary is on the Vocabulary page (use the navigation bar to the left); scroll down to "Vocabulary Part 2" and follow the directions. If need be, you can copy/paste your work into your wiki page to be able to access it from another computer. Alternatively, you can print the vocabulary list and work on it by hand. Choices, choices :)

You do not have time to do anything but work diligently the entire period. Stay on task!

2/11/09

 * //__Update for Technical Writing Assignment__//**
 * We have been asked to make this available online as well as in print. Does this affect the way you are going to write up the directions? How?
 * If you want a second copy of the module, let me know and I will copy it
 * DUE DATE: Friday, Feb. 20. There will be NO Exceptions!

2/10/09
__**Technical Writing**__

Technical writing is a special skill: being able to reduce a multitude of operations to a list of step-by-step actions. For this assignment, you are going to work with a partner to rewrite a Technology Module and bring it up to date with the current version of MS products that are on the student machines in our lab.

Using the old module as a guide, employ Scribus as the platform for production of the new, updated module. This is a class assignment, so the copyright belongs to Tarkington ISD (not to you). Be sure that all the skills are covered in the new module. The module must be able to be used independently OR in a class setting.

As we go along and you run into questions, more will be added to this post.

1/28/09

 * 1) Finish recreating the newsletter in Scribus
 * 2) Start your next Scribus project: You have been hired to create a four-page newsletter for the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Their current newsletter is 11 pages long, and your job is to create the next issue (Spring 2009) of the newsletter. Be sure to:
 * 3) Include the various elements of a newsletter (nameplate, masthead, pull quotes,etc.)
 * 4) Include 3–4 distinct sections.
 * 5) Include 2–3 articles.
 * 6) Include 3–4 photographs.
 * 7) Create a 3- or 4-column layout.
 * 8) Apply copyright and fair use guidelines for any applicable content or assets.
 * 9) Follow the journalist code of ethics in the creation of newsletter content.

Resources:
The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce http://clevelandtx.usachamber.com/ (and the current newletter on that site) __Newsletters__ • The 12 parts of a newsletter: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/newsletters/a/newsletter_part.htm. • Articles and tutorials for planning a newsletter from start to finish: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/newsletterplanning/Newsletter_Planning_and_Strategy.htm. • Articles and tips for writing newsletter content: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/newslettercontent/Newsletter_Content_How_to_Write_a_Newsletter.htm. • Articles and tips for designing and publishing newsletters: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/newsletters/Newsletter_Design_and_Publishing.htm. • Articles and tutorials on newsletter design: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/newsletterdesign/Newsletter_Design_How_to_Create_a_Newsletter.htm. __Journalistic code of ethics__ • You might want to review the journalistic code of ethics from the following sources: • Society of Professional Journalists • Business Week • The New York Times • The Association of Electronic Journalists

1/26/09
Print your vocabulary and leave it on the printer Continue to recreate the newsletter in Scribus

Introduction to Scribus
We will work together from this point on.
 * 1) Open your My Documents folder and create a new folder called Scribus Newsletter
 * 2) Open your Word Newsletter (The "ATMS News and Views" newsletter, with the lightbulb graphics)
 * 3) Copy/Paste the Title into Notepad
 * 4) Save the Notepad file to your new Scribus Newsletter folder as Title
 * 5) Copy/Paste each of the stories into individual Notepad files, saving each one as //TheStoryName and putting it in the new Scribus folder (Principal; Academic; Outstanding; Principal2; School; ATMS; Summer)//
 * 6) Copy/Paste each of the graphics into a SINGLE Paint document, saving the file as 24 color .bmp, filename //Images// in the new Scribus folder
 * 7) Double-check that you have a copy of EACH part of the Newsletter file saved as an individual document in your Scribus Newsletter folder
 * 8) Exit Word
 * 9) Start Scribus


 * • Read about "**[|**Perfect Page Layout**]**"**

1/21/09
Working with the GIMP
 * 1) Download a copy of the logo to the left
 * 2) Open the file in the GIMP

1/16/09
DUE TODAY: All graphics (see 1/13/09) due by E.O.C. today (End Of Class) DUE MONDAY: Vocabulary 1-40 due by E.O.C Monday (you have to //understand// it, not just have it copied down somewhere) DUE MONDAY: Printed certificate showing your grade and name from the Desktop Publishing quiz found [|here] due by E.O.C. Monday

Understanding Graphics
Find one example of each of these formats, that is under a CC license that will allow you to make changes to it. Post the original of each picture on your wiki page, then modify it using Gimp or Inkscape (as appropriate) and post the modified version alongside the original.
 * .gif
 * .png
 * .jpg

Explain what you did to modify the picture in a sentence or two.

12/12/08 (amended 12/13/08)
This is a **must read** for each of you. Read it, think about it, follow any links you want, and be ready to discuss the implications. [|The Ultimate Disruption for Schools] I have copy/pasted the original post (what Will is responding to) here, and have added comments on the "discussion" page. Please take the time to read the original article and my comments, and make comments yourself.

12/8/08
Today you will start creating a GROUP TRAVELOGUE
 * 1) Use the digital camera to take full-length pictures of each other.
 * 2) Transfer the pictures to your own hard-drives (using the teacher computer or my laptop)
 * 3) Decide on ONE place in the world you really want to visit some day.
 * 4) Start PowerPoint
 * 5) Use the Notes page (View-->Notes Page)
 * 6) Obtain a picture of that place, and copy the URL into the Notes Page of your ppt
 * 7) Research the place you want to visit, taking notes in Word or PowerPoint
 * 8) Use GIMP to place yourself in the picture of your place
 * 9) Use PowerPoint to combine your research information and your picture

11/14/08

 * 1) Create a new page on the wiki, using your FirstName_LastInitial.
 * 2) Add a link for the page to the Navigation (the frame on the left)
 * 3) Upload your Mirror and Name file from GIMP to your page (they will just show up as links, not as the full picture)
 * 4) SAVE
 * 5) Continue working on your //Mysterious Times// project.

Use "triangulation" for any information you add to the project, i.e. you must find the same information at **three** sources (hence the term "triangulation") REMEMBER to keep a record of all the sources you use. The record must include: the name of the site, the URL for the site (no, "Google" won't work) and the date you accessed the site.

11/13/08
Mysteries Abound! Get a page from //The Mysterious Times// and do some research on the topic. Then create a newsletter in the mode of the handout, with the original stories PLUS your research.

11/4/08
Your Lucky Day! You've been asked to consult on the purchase of a new laptop. Skim the articles listed below and be ready to offer suggestions/advice. N.B. Your assessment for this activity will be to identify which of the articles are useful and which are not. (There ARE correct answers.)
 * [|8 Things to Consider when Buying a Laptop Computer]
 * [|What Should I Consider When Buying a Laptop?]
 * [|How to Buy a Laptop]
 * [|What to Consider When Buying a Laptop]

10/28/08
Download the page of instructions and follow them. Sorry guys, but no one is to leave the room till the end of class. I apologize if you have to miss an interview, but we will reschedule it for you.

Stay on task, and produce some beautiful newsletters! user:hburleson

10/27/08
Go to this page on phishing, click on the bitmap to view the image, and explore the links. View the two videos, and then take the Phishing test at Microsoft's site (the last link in the bottom right-hand corner of the bitmap) The links are: [|Anti-Phishing Phil] [|Phishing Scams - Avoid the Bait] (not functioning 10/29/08) [|Can You Spot a Phishing Email] [|Help prevent identity theft from phishing scams (1)] [|Help prevent identity theft from phishing scams (2)] [|How can you tell if an email message is fraudulent? (1)] [|How can you tell if an email message is fraudulent? (2)]

10/23/08
http://desktoppub.about.com/od/desktoppublishing/u/Tasks_and_Techniques.htm#s1[|Check out these tutorials]

10/20/08

 * research ASCII art
 * use word and courier and create your own ASCII art

10/13/08
Finish the newsletter handout today.

New Assignment:
In Word, go to File-->New Save the file as YourLastName Wizard. There is no "wrong" way to layout the newsletter. Make it as original as you want, but include all the articles. Delete any pages you do not need. Save FREQUENTLY!
 * 1) In the Task Pane click in the "Search online for:"
 * 2) Type in newsletter
 * 3) Select the Newsletter Wizard
 * 4) If a warning box pops up about Macros, click "Always trust content from this site" and then click Enable Macros
 * 5) Work through the Wizard, selecting the layout of your choice - you do NOT want space for a mailing label on the back
 * 6) Use the files from the Resources for Newsletter folder to create a new version of the newsletter
 * Due Date for Wizard Newsletter: Wednesday, October 15**

Next project:
In groups of 2-3, select some school activity that needs a newsletter. >> who's in the group >> the topic >> my contact person for the group (not the same as the person contacting the adult in charge of the activity) >> the contact person for the adult in charge of the activity >> the adult you will be contacting
 * 1) Brainstorm ideas for stories/pictures/graphics that could be included in the newsletter.
 * 2) Designate one person to contact the adult in charge of the activity.
 * 3) Using the Memo wizard, create a memo to me, telling me:
 * 1) Save and print the memo, and give it to me
 * Due Date for Memo: Thursday, October 16**

10/9/08
Continue working on the newsletter handout.

10/8/08
Go to Microsoft.com and find a tutorial for Newsletters. Read/watch the tutorial Use the handout for newsletters and create a newsletter.

10/6/08
Business people often want their paper goods to be coordinated. Now that you have your business cards created, select one teacher and create letterhead and envelope templates for him/her. (Hint: Use the resources available to you...search the Internet?)

10/1/08
Continue working on the business cards. Make modifications as needed. :) user:hburleson
 * Compare what you have created to those that are on display on the long table
 * Compare your creations to those available through various websites
 * Price out one of your business cards: how much would it cost for "start to finish" for 100 cards. Include setup, paper choice (check your PRIO for the client's choice), number of colors used (again, check the PRIO) and actual printing costs

9/30/08
Questions to keep in mind:
 * What is the standard size for a business card?
 * How many colors can you put on a card?
 * Is there an extra cost for color?
 * What about for color text?
 * What about the elements and principles of design?

9/26/08
Once you have completed the assignment of the business card for one teacher (save it as //YourLastName TeacherName//), create additional business cards for each of your other teachers (including me!) using the same naming convention. For each card created, you should answer the questions listed under 9/25/08 (Info, graphics, etc.)

If you choose to add graphic elements to the card, they should be in keeping with the subject taught. I *strongly* suggest you go back and review your information on the Elements and Principles of Design (hint, hint!).

If possible, I will meet you in Tapped In. I want ONE of you (going in alphabetical order, Kade is the "winner") to log in at the beginning of class, and keep the chat window open. No one else is to login to Tapped In unless I show up and Kade tells you to jump in.

You are to stay on task the entire class period. (I feel a bit foolish telling you that, as I know you will anyway!) I look forward to seeing your creations. You may upload them here, or hold on to them until Monday; your choice.

9/25/08

 * 1) Finish creating your avatar to use here and at Tapped In. REMEMBER, you must use Inkscape for at least part of your avatar
 * 2) Upload your avatar to both places
 * 3) You have been asked to create a business card for a teacher here at TMS.
 * Create a Word document for your Business Card Draft
 * What information does your client want on the card?
 * What graphics does your client want on the card?
 * What color paper?
 * What color/s ink?
 * Research at least 6 sites with guides/tutorials/suggestions for creating business cards (write down the URL's in your Word document)
 * Create a rough draft in your Word document of the finished card
 * Print the rough draft and let me see it
 * Go to an online business card creation site and create a dummy business card
 * If possible, print the dummy card

**9/9/08**
Inkscape Rocks! Start Inkscape on your machine, go to the Help Menu and select Tutorials. Start the Basic Tutorial. We will explore the various settings and menus of Inkscape together, throughout the class. Questions to think about: Remember...have some fun with this one!
 * Is Inkscape a vector or raster (bitmap) program?
 * What are layers?
 * How can you use Inkscape to help you create your logo?

[|image1]

9/5/08
Take the [|Elements & Principles of Design Quiz]

This is "real world" at its best! The screen shot below was taken from a job site, with people bidding on the opportunity to get the job of checking the grammar and spelling on a web-site. **Your** job is to proofread the bids and make a recommendation on who should be awarded the contract.

Right-click and download the following graphic. Paste it into a Word document, and then list and correct ALL of the errors, whether in the main text or in the replies to the job offer. Which person would YOU hire, and why? (I get a rough count of 15 errors...there may be more!)