Unit 5: Digital Media
Unit Overview
"Einstein admitted that he did not think in words, but visual images. His early formulations for the theory of relativity came in images of himself riding a light wave. Only later did he come to words."
—Judith Fueyo, "Language Arts Classrooms:
Spaces Where Anything Can Happen,"
Writing Teacher, September 1991
The arrival of inexpensive digital technologies, such as digital
still and video cameras, scanners, CD, DVD, and other high-capacity digital
storage systems, has rapidly accelerated the conversion of analog images to
digital format. This conversion, in turn, has been largely responsible for the
explosive growth of computer-based multimedia as a form of both educational
and artistic expression.
Our students interpret their worlds and represent their learning
with more than words. Digital technology makes up the Language Arts of today;
it invites and encourages teachers and students to include graphics, sound,
and movies in their teaching and learning. Literacy must include many new skills
and address the different types of "reading and writing" required
of our students. Printers of today include computer monitors, VCRs, SmartBoards,
and many other technologies. Digital expertise is an essential skill for the
information age.
This unit introduces Generation www.Y students to digital media tools and software
that enable them to create and manipulate graphics, audio, and video files.
The ability to successfully capture and use digital media files will substantially
contribute to the efficacy and quality of Generation www.Y projects.
Activities & Prioritized Objectives
Following the completion of Unit 5, students will be able to:
| Activity 1—Analog and Digital Equipment | ||
| 1.1 | Understand the difference between digital and analog | |
| 1.2 | Identify digital and analog technology available in the school | |
| 1.3 | Access Web-based resources for information on equipment and graphic-design resources | |
| Activity 2—Digital Graphics | ||
| 2.1 | Learn how to use resources (equipment will
vary): digital still camera scanner laser discs and player visual presenter (light table) draw and paint programs Web-based collections or libraries |
|
| 2.2 | Follow basic photography guidelines | |
| 2.3 |
Use resolution guidelines |
|
| 2.4 | Compile a personal library of digital files using available resources | |
| 2.5 | Employ software to download, edit, produce, and manipulate digital files | |
| 2.6 | Identify and use different file formats | |
| Activity 3—Digital Audio | ||
| 3.1 | Learn how to use resources (equipment will vary): audio equipment (Music CDs, sound libraries, microphones) | |
| 3.2 | Compile a personal library of digital files using available resources | |
| 3.3 | Employ software to download, edit, create original graphics, and manipulate digital files | |
| 3.4 | Identify and use different file formats | |
| Activity 4—Digital Video | ||
| 4.1 | Learn how to use resources (equipment will vary): video cameras (analog and digital) | |
| 4.2 | Follow basic guidelines for producing video | |
| 4.3 | Compile a personal library of digital video files using available resources | |
| 4.4 | Employ software to download, edit, produce, and manipulate movie files | |
| 4.5 | Identify and use different file formats | |
The lessons which support these objectives are included in The Generation
www.Y Program and Curriculum Guide, available from:
International Society for Technology Education
(ISTE), or by calling 1-800-336-5191.