Graphic Design 1: Course Information

Graphic Design
Ms. Looney

looneya@northandoverpublicschools.com

WELCOME TO GRAPHIC DESIGN!

In this class, we will learn what makes "good" design. We will explore methods and programs used to create designs. We will also make graphic art.

You will be learning about design with discussions, demonstrations, videos, online resources, and examples. Google classroom will be your main hub for the entire trimester. There will be online videos that you will be required to view at home or on your own time. These are usually between 5 and 15 minutes. I will also refer you to articles and information on the web via google classroom. Please let me know if there are any class materials that you would like a printed copy of.

Submitting Work
Work needs to be submitted as an electronic file via google classroom. Instructions will be provided. You should be prepared to reveal the origin of images, artwork, etc.

Attendance / Make-ups / Extra Help
If you complete all homework outside of class, you will have ample class time to finish projects in class. Using class time to do work that is supposed to be done at home will cut in to the amount of design time you have. I am more than willing to make time for any student after school. However, I am not obligated to allow you to make up work due to skipping class, poor participation, or distractions. It is imperative that you are in class (and alert) so that you do not fall behind. If a project is taking longer than you expected, it is up to you to find time to come in after school. Please make sure to schedule a time to come in so that I can be here and make sure the lab is open for you. This lab remains locked at all times.

After-School Lab Times
These are by appointment. Come see me. We'll find a time that works for the both of us.

The Basics
Here is what the daily classroom life will look like:
  • You will be on time, every day.
  • You will not expect to use this class to do work for your other classes. This is not a free period. We will be doing work every single day.
  • Do not ask me to go to guidance... or to drop something off at guidance... or the library... or to your car... or to talk to another teacher... or to sign up for food in Pete's room... or to get your books for your next class at your locker... or to drop something off at the main office. These are errands. Errands are things that you should do on your own time, in between classes, during lunch, or before or after school. If guidance wants to make an appointment with you, they will send a pass for your or they will call me to have you sent down. Really, they will.
  • Printing: The use of our printers is only for class projects. Please do not ask me to print things for other classes or when you are running for class office.
  • Drinks: No drinks around the workstations. Should you choose to bring a drink to class, you must leave it in the drink box at the front of the classroom.
  • Food: There is no food in this lab. I'm aware that this may be your only class where you aren't allowed to eat. Seeing that you have 4 other potential classes to eat in, you should survive. Food + public work stations = gross.
  • Explore. We're going to be making art and we are going to be looking at other people's artwork. It's cool sometimes.
  • Help each other. I don't assign seats for a reason. Find someone you are comfortable with. Use each other as a resource or for a second opinion.
  • You will be at the same workstation every day. If you come into class and notice that there has been damage to your workstation, you will need to notify me at the beginning of class.
  • Stay on task. Do your best.
  • Be open to trying new things. Some assignments you will like. Some you won't. Can't win 'em all.
  • Respect to me = Respect to you.
Distractions and 'Infomania'
"I'm so good at multitasking!" The truth is, you're not. Multitasking isn't really a thing. It actually isn't possible to focus on two things at the same time. Also, having too many things that you are focused on at the same time kills your performance. So, it actually takes your brain longer to compute even easy tasks because you break your thought process. It also exhausts you mentally. It's really this simple: By doing less, you accomplish more. (Disclaimer: That only applies to multi-tasking!)
Here's an article you can read while you are responding to a text, watching a video in the corner of your screen, and posting a photo.

SOOOOoo, that brings us to:

Cell phones & ipads: There will be times in this class where I will encourage you to use your device for a classroom-related assignment. Believe me, I will make it very clear when you can use your device. Other than that, it shouldn't be out. Your phone must stay in your bag for the entire class. It should not be on the table. If I confiscate anything from you, it's because of a constant problem. If you refuse to give up any item, you will receive an office referral. No exceptions.

Games or Videos: Unless I direct you to a game or a video, these are not permitted in this class -- even if you are done with your work. If I observe you playing a game, I will take your device. This is blatant and incredibly rude.

Earbuds: There will be (few) times when you can use earbuds/headphones in class. Those are the only times when you should have anything covering your ears. This also applies to hats ...that hide earbuds. I understand that music sometimes helps you work, but I need to be able to communicate with you.

Habits of Learning
Your habits of learning in this class include attentiveness during discussions and demonstrations, attendance, distraction-free learning (monotasking!), independent progress on assignments, adhering to school rules, and behavior. Please refer to the habits of learning rubric in the classroom. It is currently posted by the door.

Good behavior includes treating other people with respect, taking care of equipment, giving yourself and others the chance to learn, and giving me the chance to teach. Skipping class or disruptive behavior in class will result in detentions. You will be given 2 days to choose from to serve a teacher detention, regardless of sports, work, or other commitments. Failure to appear in a teacher detention will result an office referral.


FYI
Please know that this lab is monitored. Remember that I am on these computers with you. Also, keep in mind that whenever you are using a wifi access point that you do not pay for, your activity is not private. Please refer to the NAHS Acceptable Use Policy, located on the NAHS school website if you have any questions about the use the internet.