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Grade 7 students learn Photoshop,
web design
Wednesday, May 23,
2007 -- Jennifer Higgs
Walk down any school hallway and it's not unlikely to see student artwork displayed on the halls. But when you walk through the halls at Rhema Christian School, the quality of elementary student's work may cause the need to stop and stare.
There is an assortment of student work arranged in the shape of a cross. Each 11½- by 8-sheet of paper is an advertisement, made with such tools as Photoshop and photo manipulation. The ads are to promote Easter as a Christian holiday.
"For fun, I gave them an assignment to come up with something for Easter," says Karl Nielsen, Grade 7 teacher.
Created by Grade 7 student Leah Hawkins.
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"They key thing for me is I want
the technology to be, in a sense, transparent," says Nielsen.
He says it is important the students can use the technology to improve the quality of their other schoolwork. By teaching them computer skills, students can apply the technology to other areas of their life.
The Grade 7 class has some time using the computer lab daily, though this is nothing new for the students. As early as Grade 1 Rhema students
use word processing.
The students are introduced to many areas of computers and art design. Nielsen teaches the students linear and non-linear video editing. Non-linear editing is a new concept for students, says Nielsen.
"A lot of kids don't realize that with a computer, you're not limited to a tape," he says.
"My goal is to try to get them to integrate this into things they are doing," he explains.
"They key thing for me is I want the technology to be, in a sense, transparent."
Many of the skills the students learn are unique for their grade level. When asked if other schools offer the same kind of technological programs for their students, Nielsen says Rhema is unique.
"As far as I know, there is nothing like this going on anywhere else."
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