Desktop Publishing--Communications

"Define the purpose of the product and identify the specified audience."

This standard works hand-in-hand with the "Work in Solving Problems" standard. The specified audience needs to be identified and what exactly you want to convey and then you can decide on the appropriate media to use.

Desktop Publishing--Work in Solving Problems

"Distinguish design requirements as they relate to purposes and audiences including one-surface objects, multiple or bound pages, stationary, book jackets/magazine covers, pamphlets, magazines, brochures and labels."

Different audiences are drawn to different forms of media, and it is important to target the proposed audience with the appropriate type of media.

Desktop Publishing--Information Acquisition

"Demonstrate the ability to import and export elements from one program to another."

Importing and exporting to/from other programs can be challenging at times. However, most software today has the ability to do this if the user knows where to look. When you import and export information to/from other programs, it can improve the efficiency in your work.

Desktop Publishing--Foundations

"Delineate and make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues including, but not limited to, digital file formats and cross platform connectivity."

I chose this standard because this is a big problem with users, including myself. There are so many file formats available and some are not compatible with the particular hardware and software that you are using.

Graphic Design and Animation--Communications

"Identify pictorial qualities in a design such as shape and form, space and depth, or pattern and texture to create visual unity and desired effects in design."

With graphic design, it is important to "catch the eye" of the proposed target audience. The above qualities are crucial to that task.

Graphic Design and Animation--Work in Solving Problems

"Use the basic principles of proportion, balance, variety, emphasis, harmony, symmetry, and unity in type, color, size, line thickness, shape and space."

With graphic design, I believe your project needs to flow and in order to do this, you need to give special attention to the items listed above. You don't want your finished product to appear "too gaudy."

Graphic Design and Animation--Information Acquisition

"Use the Internet and retrieve information in electronic formats including text, audio, video, and graphics, citing the source."

Students need to know how to use the Internet to increase their skills. There is so much information on the Internet, but it is also important to cite the appropriate source so you are not "stealing" someone else's creativity.

Graphic Design and Animation--Foundations

The "foundations" standard that I chose for the graphic design and animation course is as follows:

"Make decisions regarding the selection, acquisition, and use of software taking under consideration its quality, appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency."

I believe this is a significant issue especially with a high school course. Graphic design software can be very expensive and many high schools are unable to purchase this expensive software. There is a good deal of graphic design software available that is available for free trials so the software can be evaluated and tested before decisions are made to purchase software. I didn't realize how much information was available on the CNET web site. This web site has tons of information available.