In today’s class we began with a keynote presentation showing examples of various cover designs from comic books, book covers, and movie posters, to give the students an idea of different approaches and techniques that have been used to make covers. We used these examples to talk to them about how and why certain layouts were used, and opened a discussion about what they noticed regarding the typography, iconic/graphic/photographic images, and color choices they saw in these covers. We asked them what messages they were receiving upon viewing these covers. The students generally did have comments to make about what they were seeing, but there were points where we had to help them along by asking them questions about the images. I think something that we found difficult was making sure that all the students were quiet and paying attention. The class size is about 30 kids, and even when there are two of us (leon and myself), there are still some students who aren’t paying attention and are instead talking with their classmates at their table. Commanding the classroom is still something we are figuring out at times. But we did go to those specific tables and start asking them questions, and attempted to figure out the kind of cover designs they’d be interested in. Hopefully as the classes progress, we’ll have a better understanding of how to keep the students interest and full attention.

Since the students will be taking photographs for the comic books, we gave a short lesson on techniques of using their digital cameras (there is a class set of 1megapixel cameras!). Unfortunately we had 15-20 minutes left of class, so we tried to move quickly. We had one of the students volunteer and come in front of the class to do a sample shot, and show them how they could use the camera and computer programs to convey their story through their photo. This particular girl was making a comic book about her friend Tiffany who is also in the same class. This did cause lots of giggling, but they did get an idea of how they can think about taking their pictures and the different effects and type they can apply using computer programs.

Today the students were supposed to have had half of their storyboards for their comic books completed. We did collect them, but later discovered that not everyone had turned them in, and also that a lot of them had barely started. So after class Leon and I sat down and wrote comments on every storyboard. Hopefully this will prove to be helpful, and they’ll take the assignment seriously and fully complete it by next week.

With each class I think we’re realizing that 50 minutes is a ridiculously short period of time to teach design! Maybe our 3 hour design class in ucla aren’t so bad afterall…Okay no, perhaps a 2 hour class would be better for this grade of students. I don’t think I felt as satisfied as I wanted to at the end of today’s class. But our after class discussions with Ms. Eck, are a big help, as we review how that class went and plan for the next week. She is extremely attentive and helpful!