Topic outline

  • Graphics Software

    Graphic Software


    • On completion of this unit, you should be able to describe the purpose and basic functions of graphics software to create a simple graphic display.

                   Learning Objectives: 

      1. Know and understand graphics software concepts;
      2. Identify basic graphics software functions;
      3. Describe the function and purpose of graphics software.

          3 hours


        This is the first purely online unit! Your workshop facilitator is now offering online support. This means you need to be a self directed learner! Schedule regular times to access and complete the online units.


        Introduction

        The purpose of this unit is to provide you with information and skills on using graphics software in order to enhance your learning materials. Including images or videos can greatly enhance a teacher's learning materials. Graphics software can be used to create images and to edit and convert graphic files of different formats. Common types of graphics software include page layout, word processing, and desktop publishing applications; professional illustration and presentation software; digital printing and Web publishing programs. Graphics software handles two basic types of images: raster graphics and vector graphics. 

        Introduction to Paint / Fresh Paint

         30 minutes

        One can always use Google's image search at http://images.google.com to find an image, picture, chart or illustration but sometimes nothing seems quite right. Plus we have to worry about copyright! There will be times when it will be easier to just make our own image. In this unit we will investigate what graphics packages are available and learn to use them to create simple diagrams.

          In this activity you will practice using graphics software by working with either MS Paint or Fresh Paint available for Windows 8 or 10 and creating simple drawings. Use the graphics package in your version of Windows and make sure you cover the following;

          1. Software interface layout
          2. Functions and tools
          3. Opening, saving and exiting a work
          4. Set the size of the drawing area
          5. Drawing different shapes
          6. Filling different shapes with colours
          7. Changing the colours using the palette and making new colours to add to the palette.

          Work through the online tutorials below to get started:

            Work with Paint in Windows 7 & Windows 8 URL

            Fresh Paint for Windows 8 & 10 URL

              Using Fresh Paint on Windows 8 &10 URL

              Fresh Paint not installed on your windows 8 or 10 computer? Then use this link below.

              Fresh Paint Installation linkURL

              Intermediate Skills

                60 minutes


              Right you have the basics. Let's spend more time and practice further. Can you acquire some intermediate skills?


              Read the instructions below to complete this activity: Develop graphics to support a component of your syllabus and insert it into a MS Word document using the skills demonstrated by the Facilitator in Paint. Make sure you are able to do the following: 

                1. Erasing lines and shapes
                2. Blending colours with the airbrush;
                3. Adding text to an image;
                4. Saving an image;
                5. Compress an image;
                6. Insert an image from Paint to another application and vice versa;
                7. Print an image.

                Think you are good? Here is an additional tutorial to help you.

                Create a simple graphic URL

                Portfolio Activity

                  90 minutes



                Read the instructions below to complete this activity: 

                  1. Read the article on how graphics can be created to support teaching and learning;
                  2. Identify where in your teaching you could use a graphic to add value to your lesson;
                  3. Create a graphic using Paint or Fresh Paint;
                  4. Insert your image into a MS Word document, save it onto your computer and
                  5. Submit your document using the assignment tool below.
                  Use of Paint Software in Schools File 125 KB

                  Assessment Criteria for Assignment Item #07File

                  References

                  1. Digital Citizen. (2015). Tutorials: How to work with paint in Windows 7 and Windows 8. 
                  2. RichDragon on YouTube. (2013). What Can Fresh Paint Do On Windows 8? Youtube.
                  3. OldGuyGeek on YouTube. (2013). Fresh Paint for Windows 8. Youtube. 
                  4. PDST. (2013). Paint Software - Focus on Numeracy & Literacy. Available online at https://ict-essentials-for-teachers.moodlecloud.com/pluginfile.php/238/mod_resource/content/1/Paint-software-focus-on-literacy-and-numeracy-Primary-13-10.pdf 
                  Open License


                  CC BY SA

                  All material in this ICT Essentials for Teachers Course unit is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Rwanda under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License with the exception of the resources listed below:

                  Digital Citizen. (2015). Tutorials: How to work with paint in Windows 7 and Windows 8. 
                  RichDragon on YouTube. (2013). What Can Fresh Paint Do On Windows 8? Youtube.
                  OldGuyGeek on YouTube. (2013). Fresh Paint for Windows 8. Youtube. 
                  PDST. (2013). Paint Software - Focus on Literacy & Numeracy

                  All content not licensed under a Creative Commons license is all rights reserved, and you must request permission from the copyright owner to use this material.