instructor:
david w. dalton, ph.d
ddalton@kent.edu
330.672.9079
office hours

description:
This course is an introduction to the design of visuals for instructional materials. Course content includes:

definitions and histories of visual literacy and visual design

visual perception and cognition

principles of visual design

tools of visual design (especially Abobe PhotoShop Elements 3)

materials:

Williams, R. (2004). The non-designer's design book, 2nd. ed. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. ISBN 0-321-19385-7 (recommended).

Adobe Creative Team (2005). Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3: Classroom in a Book Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. ISBN 0321270800

Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0 (or PhotoShop 6.0 or higher). Elements is available for approximately $50 plus shipping and tax at leading academic resellers such as www.warehouse.com, www.gotrc.com, and others, and through special order at the KSU bookstore.

access to the internet

portfolio web account available for $10 at TSL@IRC, 221 White Hall. accounts are also available by mail. Please mail your check made payable to IRC-KSU to: Sharon Edwards, 211 White Hall, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242.

participation:
Each individual will be responsible for attending and participating actively during class meetings and completing all web-based assignments in a timely fashion. Thoroughness in the preparation of each course assignment is essential. If you anticipate problems in completing daily assignments throughout the term, please reconsider your enrollment decision.

procedures:
A web-based course provides unique opportunities, but also posses unique challenges. In particular, this course requires all participants to adhere strictly to the course schedule, for the term as a whole, but also day-to-day. Specifically, because the nature of the work is progressive and relies on a form of discovery learning, where feedback is essential, the following deadlines must be observed:

8:00am: Daily work posted

1:00pm: Feedback and new rubrics posted

rubrics:
Course rubrics will serve as self-evaluation sheets, linked to pages that provide information on evaluation criteria. After you have submitted the assignment, you will view the rubric for that day and use it to analyze your work. As the course progresses, the rubric will grow as new dimensions and criteria are added. So, in subsequent assignments, the rubric will allow for more sophisticated and multidimensional analyses of your work.

grading policies:
Assignments will be evaluated for their craft (neatness, attention to directions) and design. All work in this class is graded subjectively, based on the instructor’s expertise. Projects may be resubmitted to improve the score. I work on the assumption that all work turned in will be of excellent quality (It almost always is). Therefore, completing projects in a timely fashion and doing your best work is the key to excellent performance. Attention to detail is critical in completing all course work. Sloppiness will adversely effect your evaluation. Please note: unless you suffer from extraordinary adversity (i.e., legitimate medical emergencies, death in the family), no late work will be accepted beyond the due date. Please keep up and apprise me of unusual circumstances as they occur.

special needs:
Any student desiring reasonable accommodation in the procedures used in the conduct of this class for any reason should notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Special services are available including assistance with developmental skills, counseling, and many others. Please make arrangements as soon as possible to seek these services.