this is my assignment. i am not VERY VERY worried about it. in fact, i have chosen this so i am kinda happy with it. i am suppose to learn a new skill. but i know most of the others, so i was thinking of improving this one. think the design school people will laugh when they see this. haha.

Tool Option #2:
Graphic manipulation: Photoshop CS
Adobe Photoshop (or its companion programme ImageReady specifically useful for web graphics, ) is an extraordinarily powerful (and complex) application for the manipulation of graphic images, especially photos. The intent here is not that you will become a Photoshop expert, but rather that you can develop some small skills which help to tackle one of the more common image editing tasks. Note: Other image editing tools may be used to complete this task, but our labs only support Photoshop.

Deliverables. The trainee is required to submit the following two items:
1. A single CD containing all pertinent image files, including all .psd (Photoshop format) files used during the task. If the images are used in a web page, please also include the html file of that web page.
2. Statements. You are also required to submit with the above graphics-related documents a single word-processed printout two statements which reflect your rationale for creating your particular graphic images, as well as your thoughts on the usefulness to a teacher of general of graphic or photo manipulation skills. Here are some specifics we are looking for in your statements:
a. Statement of Intent or Purpose. This is a 2-3 paragraph write-up of the purpose for whatever graphic(s) you will create. You may be creating a family photo collage, an advertisement for a meeting, a poster, a large graphic to be used in a web page, a logo for an organisation, a set of customised buttons or icons, etc.
b. Statement of General Usefulness. Describe in detail at least five concrete ways (generate specific examples) how you might utilise Photoshop (or ImageReady or another graphic/photo editing tool) in your future teaching.

Graphics Manipulation Skills Demonstrated. Please indicate in your Learning Contract which one of the following image editing skills you intend to demonstrate which you do not already know:
a. Simple animated GIFs which are commonly used to add interest to web-pages or Powerpoint presentations. Note: It is NOT necessary to make 3D animations for this task. To see some samples of simple GIF animations visit http://www.animations.com/en/search/index.mc?browse=cat&category_id=B12. (By the way, if you wish to create animations using photos instead of cartoons, that is OK.)
b. Transparent GIFs or PNGs which display properly on a variety of background colours (GIFs are more common, but PNG is more flexible. To see a comparison, visit http://www.lunaloca.com/tutorials/antialiasing/ (you will need to scroll down).
c. Filter effects or other special editing techniques on a variety of images chosen and modified to suit some specific purpose; for a brief taste please visit http://webmonkey.wired.com/webmonkey/03/16/index2a_page3.html?tw=design.
d. Layered graphics is a very powerful feature of Photoshop which allows for several pieces of a final picture to be edited and manipulated separately before being ‘added’ together into a composition whole; visit http://iit.bloomu.edu/vthc/Photoshop/specialeffects/layerstyles.htm, http://www.photoshopdesign.net/ccopy/layerfx.htm or http://www.sketchpad.net/psdlayer1.htm for more information what layers are and what they can do.
e. Image slices are used to create web ‘image maps’ useful for navigation purposes; to see some examples, visit http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/webgraphics/l/blsliceexample1.htm. (Warning, this particular skill should be tackled only by intermediate or advanced users who already are comfortable creating web pages.)
f. Another skill? If there is another Photoshop technique or skill you would like to learn, please discuss your proposal with your tutor before drafting your Learning Contract.
Parameters. Students are expected to supply all their own material for constructing their images. All photos used should be ‘home-made’, unless it is in the public domain (e.g., photos from NASA). Under no circumstances will trainees be permitted to use copyrighted material without first obtaining permission from the copyright owners!