Introduction
0104.1002.00xx
The purpose of this course is to stimulate interest and provide insight into the most basic ideas and concepts associated with graphical operations on personal computers.
Welcome to Computer Graphics. . .
As a tool your PC can provide you with many hours of enjoyment. It can be used to support any hobby. The graphics concepts are very simple; similar to the selection, cutting and pasting learned as children. All computer software programs are stored instructions; instructions for both the processor and the operator. Software programs are referred to as "Applications." Graphics applications for PCs range in cost from "free" to several hundreds of dollars. The first part of this course will utilize the applications which are included with the windows operating system. Next we will use some low to medium priced applications which can be obtained free of charge for evaluation purposes. Have fun and enjoy this adventure in learning.
Windows Operating Systems are multi-tasking. Many different applications and/or several copies of the same application can be used simultaneously. You are strongly encouraged to make extensive use of this feature. You can easily switch between applications by using your "Task Bar", this bar is located next to the "Start" button. When you open additional applications the current one is minimized to the task bar. We will demonstrate this feature in the first exercise. You can view instructions for the exercise using your browser application and work on the exercise using a graphics application. You may also tile the windows such that they are both visible at the same time. For those of you who desire to use paper you can easily print any of the hyper-text pages.
You do not need to be connected to the Internet to use this CD. You just open your browser and select the "Work Off Line" mode from the file menu. You can then open the title page and begin.
Important Notice... Technology... Improvements in hardware performance and increases in applications capabilities occur at a rapid rate. Updates to learning resources cannot keep pace. Never expect any learning tutorials, exercises, or written instructions to be be complete and accurate with respect to your personal computing system. No two computers are ever configured alike. You must learn to adapt the instructions you are provided to the situation you encounter. This CD was originally developed using Windows 98. Upgrades have been made such that it can be used with most of the common modern operating systems. When you work the exercises strive for understanding of the principles rather than reliance on specific steps to follow. Remember there are always more ways to complete a task (exercise) than there are users. Each individual must develop their personal techniques and approaches, this comes only by experimentation, practice, and desire. Develop your own way, it is the best for you. Most questions you may have can be answered by trying an approach you may think will work. Personally; all of my knowledge is credited to questions asked by learning clients who stimulate me to adventure into the unknown. Please enjoy this CD. (1/19/04)
The only way to learn is to practice. In order to provide the class with opportunity to learn, exercises will be provided. These exercises are a minimum. You are encouraged to be creative and use your imagination to come up with other projects and tasks. File space for your work will be provided on the computer you use during class. The path for your files will be provided. You can take work home but you are responsible for protecting your computer from viruses. Also be careful to use clean disks when bringing files into the classroom.
Class participants will be given the opportunity to experience new ways to become aquatinted with graphics software and it's capabilities by performing tasks. For the most part these tasks will be very general in nature, allowing the participant to use his ingenuity and develop his own style. We will attempt to use class time to share what we have discovered. There will usually be one or more tasks associated with each class. These tasks will have the following characteristics:
1. Have learning objectives.
2. Are doable and can be facilitated.
3. Can be evaluated and extend the learning process.
4. Are fun and creative.
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