For this lesson we planned to teach the kids how to design their covers in Keynote. We started the class in the computer lab, and gave each student a packet that we had made explaining how to use Keynote. Teaching in the lab always seems a bit easier, partly because all the kids are facing in our direction, and they really enjoy using their macbooks. In this setting, I think its really good that both Leon and I are teaching together. This way we are able to both go around and help each student personally when they have questions or are having problems regarding how to use the software. We taught them how to manipulate their text, work with shapes, mask images, change color and shadows, and more. After giving them the basic fundamental tools for this program, I think they were able to navigate through the program pretty easily. They created some good effects with their text that does reflect their comic book story. But today was just an introduction, and next week we hope to make much more progress with the content of their cover and methods of designing it.

One challenge with working in the lab, is that students are tempted to open other programs on the laptops. Many students had Comic Life open, so we did have to go around and take a quick look at random times to make sure all the students were on task. I also wonder how effective we are being, and if they are really internalizing the design concepts we are trying to teach. When I try to think back to when I was their age, I don’t remember retaining many of the concepts from my art classes. I do wish we had our adobe programs available for the students. It is something we are still trying get…

This school really does have a lot of great facilities and resources, technologically speaking, because of resourceful teachers like Ms. Eck. I always see her trying to find how she can get more grants for her program, and looking for conferences and workshops where she can learn the current software and technology. This kind of enthusiasm and attitude from the teachers, I think will serve to be more beneficial for the students