EDLD+5366+Digital+Graphics+Course+Reflection

 EDLD5366, Digital Graphics is one of my favorite classes. The possible utilization of desktop publishing tools and skills was something I looked forward to incorporating into my possession as Technology Specialist and creating training documents. The course was far more than just the utilization of productivity tools such as Microsoft Word or Publisher. Week one of the course was a trip into the archives of ancient manuscripts and the study of The Lindisfame Gospel, Sherborne Missai, Sultan Baybar’s Magnificent Qur’an, and the Lisbon Bible. When I read the instructions for viewing the books, I was expecting to find a document that was very plain and void of color. What I found was a document rich in color and design and a work of masters. The idea of a group of artists sitting around tables meticulously working on a page for hours in conditions we would find deplorable was both awe inspiring and inspirational as well as overwhelming. I felt a sense of reverence while looking at the pages. One can almost smell the smoke from the burning of candles and/or oil lamps as well as the ink. The boldness of colors used causes the flowers, bird, and words to leap off the pages. Too bad we’ve lost the desire to frame our sacred words with beautiful works of art.
 * EDLD5366 – Digital Graphics **

 C.R.A.P, and acronym for contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity, elements that make designs come to life (Yearwood, 2009) were introduced and the importance of these elements studied in detail and the relationship they would have as we developed and designed our final project, a four-page newsletter. Standard I indicate that technology facilitators and leaders have an understanding of the relationship between knowledge, skill and understanding of technology, all areas addressed as these elements are put into place and incorporated into the creation of the newsletter (Williamson & Redish, 2009).

 Another component of this course was the development of a logo, an activity requiring, in my own mind, knowledge of graphics design, and an area I am unfamiliar with. I had a working knowledge of C.R.A.P. but the idea of putting these elements into a single graphic design that represented my mission was an overwhelming process. As I brainstormed ideas, drew countless drafts, I thought about the responsibilities of my job are. I teach, I support, and I engage students and teachers. The utilization of these three components of my job helped guide the development of my logo; teach/support/engage technology.

Approaching the task of creating a four-page newsletter proved to be process that required me to access my creative side. I found the experienced to be rewarding. I can say that having an understanding of the basic graphic design elements, CRAP and The Golden Ratio, allowed me to create a newsletter that I am very proud of. Taking these newly developed skills and creating future newsletters focusing on the happenings and events of my campus and district are tasks I look forward to, the possibilities are endless.

**References ** Yearwood, J. (2009), Basic Design Principles Lecture Notes, Lamar University. Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

