Perry-Lecompton High School
Computer Graphics and Animations
Course Outline
Mr. Swafford
jswafford@usd343.org
Course Description:
As a student in this class you will learn and understand Adobe Flash and Fireworks software.
First you will learn ideas, concepts and uses for the Adobe based software. Then we will get into
the specifics for both branches starting with Fireworks. Adobe Fireworks is a graphics program
which is used in creating web images and media. Next we will use Adobe Flash is a multimedia
program that we will use to create animations, Web interfaces, and other user experiences. The
lessons will become more and more advanced giving you the opportunity to show what you
have learned from the previous lessons.
Text/Materials:
Textbooks: Barbara M. Waxer, Adobe Flash CS4-Illustrated Series 2010
Sherry Bishop/Jim Shuman/Barbara M. Waxer, The Web Collection RevealedAdobe Flash CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, and Fireworks CS4, Standard Edition 2010
Software: Adobe Flash CS4, Adobe Fireworks CS4
Handouts: Additional handouts will be used during class.
Teaching Methods:
1.
Lectures: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in
class. Students should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the
texts or readings. Discussion is encouraged as is student-procured outside material
relevant to topics being covered.
2. Assignments: Daily work, end of chapter activities and online activities will be
assigned weekly to reinforce material in the text. These assignments may require the
application of various software packages.
3. Quizzes: Occasional unannounced quizzes will be given.
4. Tests: Tests will be given. The test will be closed book/notes and will be comprised
of both written and production sections. The final test/project will be comprehensive
in nature.
5. Projects: Additional projects will be assigned at various times. An assignment sheet
and grading rubric will be given for each. These will be counted as a test score.
Grading:
Grades are based on answers to textbook exercises, tests and on the production of
PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets. Each assignment will be given a point
value.
Final Grades will be determined as follows:
USD 343 Grading Scale
A+ (100% & above)
A
(93%-99%) C+
A- (90%-92%) C
B+ (87%-89%) CB
(83%-86%) D+
D
(63%-66%) F
D- (60%-62%)
15% -- Practice and Small Activities
35% -- Skills Review and Challenges
50% -- Projects and Tests
B- (80%-82%)
(77%-79%)
(73%-76%)
(70%-72%)
(67%-69%)
(59% & below)
INC: Student has not completed all the given requirements at this time.
Assignments missed while absent will be recorded with the symbol “Ab” and not count
toward their grade.
Students have a minimum of 2 days for each day absent to submit missed work for credit.
Should a student become ineligible they are guaranteed the opportunity in each class to raise
their grade to become eligible in the following week.
Course Outline
Assignment Descriptions:
 Lessons – Includes step-by-step instructions on how to complete the assigned objectives.
 Concepts Review – Includes screen identification, multiple choice, and matching
questions.
 Skills Review – Provides additional hands-on exercises that mirror the progressive style
of the lesson.
 Independent Challenges 1, 2 and 3 – Case projects that require critical thinking and
application of the unit skills. The Independent Challenges increase in difficulty, with the
first being the easiest (with the most step-by-step detailed instructions). Independent
Challenges 2 and 3 become increasingly more open-ended
 Real Life Independent Challenge – Using a real world focus to apply the unit skills,
students create documents that will benefit their everyday lives
 Visual Workshop – a practical, self-graded capstone project that requires independent
problem solving.
 Applied skills throughout the semester course.
 Career development discussed throughout the semester course.
 Resource and time management discussed throughout the semester course.
 Decision making/problem solving takes place in various assignments.
 Discussion of social and ethical issues on web use.
Topics: (Subject to change)
Fireworks
Getting Started with Adobe Fireworks
Working with Objects
Importing Graphics
Selecting and Modifying Graphics
Flash
Unit A: Getting Started with Adobe Flash
Unit B: Creating Graphics and Text
Unit C: Using Symbols and Library Panel
Unit D: Creating Animation
Unit E: Optimizing and Publishing a Movie
Unit F: Creating Buttons and Using Media
Unit G: Using Action Script 3.0
Unit H: Integrating Flash with Other Programs
Classroom Expectations
1) Respect
2) Responsibility
3) Effort
Consequences for choosing not to meet expectations:
1. Reminder
2. Conference with teacher/verbal improvement plan.
3. Time spent either before or after school with teacher.
4. Referral to office.
Belief Statement
All students have the right to learn, and the teacher has the right to teach, in an atmosphere
free from disruption. A pleasant, productive, positive classroom climate should be the goal of
everyone.
STUDENTS WHO DAMAGE OR ABUSE THEIR TEXTBOOKS MAY BE CHARGED FOR THE COST OF
REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT OF THE BOOK.
Rules:
Need your planner to leave the room.
Tardies will be recorded and a 5 minute detention will be assigned.
Proper use of computers is expected at all times.
Fire Drills — Use the South door.
Storm Drills — Report to the Band room through the nearest hallway and
through the middle school gum.
Absences:
Responsible for making up assignments and finding out about them.
Unexcused — cannot be made up.
Tests will be made up by appointment only.
Contact Method
I will be at the high school by 7:45 each morning. I am also available during my plan period and
I will be in the library hrs. 1, 3, and 7. You can also make arrangements to see me during
Seminar.