Communications Technology is a creative field that encompasses photography, photo editing, graphic design, animation, audio recording, podcasting, video recording and production as well as animation and web design. Students will work both independently and as part of a production team to design and produce media products in a project-driven environment. These project based courses are offered in grade 10, 11 and 12 . They provide a strong background for numerous post-secondary pathways and lead students to a wide variety of lucrative, creative careers.Â
In addition to our in-class photo studio, we have and use an excellent collection of digital cameras and recording equipment. We apply our skills with the "Adobe Creative Cloud" which is the highest rated industry standard software in the world. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Dreamweaver, Audience, etc. are all taught and explored in the activities presented to the students. This excellent cutting edge software is the same that used in Colleges, Universities and Businesses world wide.
Students will also develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways and career opportunities in the various communications technology fields.
Grade 10: TGJ2O: Communications Technology
Grade 11: TGG3M: Communications Technology: Graphic Design
Grade 11: TGP3M: Communications Technology: Photography
Grade 11: TGJ3M: Communications Technology
Grade 12: TGJ4O: Communications Technology: Digital Imagery & Web Design
Grade 12: TGG4M: Communications Technology: Graphic Design
Grade 12: TGJ4M1: Communications Technology
Grade 12: TGJ4M2: Communications Technology
Graphic Design
Students will learn and apply their skills with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. The Principles of Design, vector graphics and typography will be introduced and incorporated into projects like Magazine Covers, Promotional Button Design, Vinyl Signage, 3 Dimensional Package, and simple Web Site Design.
Photography and Photo Editing
Students will use our extensive collection of digital cameras to capture a wide variety of subjects. Topics related to composition and exposure will be explored in detail. Some classes will practice their portrait photography in our in-class photo studio. Students learn and apply their skills with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and InDesign. Some projects that are assigned involve Light Writing, Promotional Graphics, Portrait Photography, Product Photography, Artistic Imagery, Photo Books, Yearbooks and an extraordinary collection of image composite exercises.
Podcasting and Audio Production
Using programs like Adobe Audience and Audacity, students will explore the many aspects related to audio recording and its post production. A variety of recording technologies (professional microphone, remote microphones, in computer microphones) are introduced and utilized to improve the quality of projects ranging from radio advertisements, to video Foley recordings, to podcasting.
Video Production
Students enjoy using our wide range of digital video cameras to plan and record their creative projects. Some student will generate influential, entertaining infomericals, others will develop professional news broadcasts or an exciting, fast paced mini action movies. All stages of the production process are explored to improve the students final products. In some courses online editing tools, like WeVideo, are used but usually Adobe Premiere Pro is the software of choice. Senior classes will explore the special effects features available in Adobe's After Effects .
Website Design
Depending on the course, students learn how to make professional looking websites by either using online tools, like Google Sites or WordPress, or by using installed software like Adobe Dreamweaver or Muse. Direct coding of HTML and CSS is also introduced and taught.
Animation
Tweening, cell by cell animation and animated GIF are introduced and applied in projects connected to story telling and advertising. There are a number of applications that are explored and used including Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop.