Starting a Restoration Course

[Vikki]

Well, I've taken the plunge.
I've applied to teach a continuing education class at a local university.
They liked my idea for their Spring semester, and sent me a teachers packet to complete and return. However, there is still an interview process, and certain hardware and software issues to discuss.
I thought it might be interesting, educational, and perhaps helpful if I chronicled the whole process, including the course.
But before I do that, I should see if there is an interest.
What say you all?

[T Paul]

I'm interested. I like to hear how it goes and perhaps even your step by step approach to what you are going to teach.

~T

[Doug Nelson]

I hope you're able to do this. It sounds great. Please do chronicle for us.

Some questions I've thought of when considering whether to do this myself:

How to guarantee it doesn't turn into a basic Photoshop course instead? (they'll say they know it, but one "what's a channel" could sink the entire hour)
Mac? PC? Photoshop or Elements or both?
Would you use a textbook? Which one?
Lecture or lab (that is, will you be up front demonstrating while they take notes, or will they all have their own computers?)

[CJ Swartz]

One more vote to chronicle the process. Good luck in working out the details; there will be challenges, I'm sure, but it will be a great experience for you and the students.

[G. Couch]

I'm VERY interested in this Vikki! I have been talking about trying to teach a digital art class at the local community/art center and would love to hear how your experience goes.

[Vikki]

Great!
I think what I'll do is, post my steps/progress.
Whatever happens I'll journal - good and bad.
Hopefully the whole thing won't fall throught the floor when I tell them I need computers (they have other computer classes on the schedule, so I imagine it isn't a problem - we'll see)

Here's my initial plan:
This will be a basic restoration course. (Perhaps and "Advanced" class will be down the road).
The class will meet twice a week 6-9, for 4 weeks, for a total of 8 sessions.
I haven't determined the price yet (suggestions welcome).
...I will receive 35% of income from this course (gotta be doing this for the love of it)
1-Introduction and Calibration
2-Scanning and Resolution
3-Color and Tone Adjustments
4-Damage Repair Techniques
5,6,7-Bring in your own photo to work on.
8-Saving and Printing

I'm debating about what software to use. I am leaning toward Adobe Elements for the following reasons:
With a student discount, it is very affordable
It will introduce people to Adobe products, without scaring them
It has enough features to do simple to medium type restorations

All your input is welcome!

[Ed_L]

Good for you Vikki. Best of luck in your undertaking. It sounds like you've got things in the proper order. Just a couple of things you might want to consider:

The size of the class -- it seems to me that it might be advantageous for you to start your first class as a rather small one, in order for you to be able to work out any unexpected problems you might have. Class size could be increased as you get more comfortable with it.

I think Doug hit on something too. Will you have some kind of test or criteria to allow someone to sign up for the class? Someone who doesn't know how to save a file *could* decide to take the class because they have a bunch of pictures of the kids that have seen better days.

By the way, I think you'll make an excellent teacher.

Ed

[Doug Nelson]

If you use Elements, those that already have Photoshop will be able to do all the things you demonstrate (but not vice-versa).

Do continuing education students get a student discount?

[Jakaleena]

One more vote for your chronicle here.

I've wanted to do something like that too, but my plans for it are currently buried under a landslide of things that pay better and offer more security. Still, someday, I hope....

It would be nice to have a sort of roadmap from someone who's already been there...

[Doug Nelson]

I taught basic photography for two semesters a lifetime ago. I enjoyed the heck out of it, but that second semester was a big drain on me. I hate being repetitive.

I hate being repetitive.

[Vikki]

This is great. I feel like I have a secret stash of teachers aides!
The paperwork does ask about prerequisites and maximun number of students.
I will most likely require some basic computer knowledge. As long as they know how to use a mouse, and follow instructions, I think we'll be ok (famous last words, right?)
I don't plan on getting into anything heavy, I will merely show people how to use the software, techniques, scanner, and printer for this project only. I will not be diversing at all. I do not want to get bogged down with technical stuff. To me, this should be fun, and productive. If any of you have read my tutorials, that might be an indication of my style.
I will be making up my own texbook, so that when they leave, they will be able to follow, step by step, and duplicate the processes.
From a teaching standpoint, I would like to keep the class small, so I would guess that 20 people would be the max. Tuition wise, I would like about 150 students.
I don't mind getting up in front of a large crowd when I know what I'm talking about, and have an eager audience (the great thing about continuing ed classes are that the students are willing participants).
Re: student discounts - I'm not sure if continuing ed qualifies, but I can't imagine why not - they are at a university......

[G. Couch]

Ed's pre-class test is a great idea. You could identify the people who are more technically advanced and then split the class into small groups- teaming up the more advanded person with some of the less technical people. That way people will not only be learning from you but also from people within their group as well. ...just an idea...

[Vikki]

That is a great idea. I like the idea of teaming students to help each other.
I'm not too sure about the test part though. I'd hate to start the class with a test, and have someone fail it! (Not quite the atmosphere I'm looking for.)
Anyone want to suggest some fun ways to test for skill level?
Keep in mind that I'm not requiring anything more than basic computer experience.
My lesson will be something like:
"Let's start by double clicking on the Elements icon......."

[DJ Dubovsky]

Vikki,
I'm so happy for you. It sounds like you're really thinking this through and have a good start already in your plans. It's a fantastic opportunity and I think you will do very well with it. You got some great advice from the members here and you always know you're not alone if things get difficult. We will be there to help any way we can. Keep us informed as you go along. It will be exciting to follow along with you.
I think you have a good idea going with Elements rather than PS because the cost difference is so vast and for beginning level that's all they need and it's something they can afford.

Good luck. Be confident. You definately have the talent to do this and do it well.
DJ

[Doug Nelson]

I'd probably make a sheet with basic computer skills mentioned explicitly, hand it out at beginning of first class (or include it in any pre-class papers), and tell them it's their job to make sure they know how to do everything on that sheet so they don't hold back the rest of the class by asking "what's the difference between a file and a folder?" or "how do I copy and paste something?"

And also specify which computers you'll be teaching on, so that they don't sign up knowing Macs and sit in front of PCs, or vice versa.

Plus, make sure there are funds to have licenced versions of whatever software you use on each machine. (personally I'd go with a lecture course using a projection device for my monitor)

[Doug Nelson]

And you may have a secret stash of teachers aides, but we'll have an experienced teaching advisor in case anyone else wants to do something similar

[jeaniesa]

Vikki,

I'm putting in my vote for your chronicle as well (though it sounds like you've already decided to do it!)

A few comments:

If this is a "basic" course, I think that Elements is a good choice. It is affordable for many people even without a student discount, it should be easy for people with PS to follow along too, and with PS, you'd have to spend at least one class covering how to get around the product (assuming most of the class wouldn't have it since it's a basic class.)

I will most likely require some basic computer knowledge. As long as they know how to use a mouse, and follow instructions, I think we'll be ok (famous last words, right?)

Weeeelllllllll... I just took a PS class where I was one of the more advanced students in the class. I sat next to a person who was not as advanced. She had taken a semester-long PS class previously, but still became flustered when trying to follow the instructors very detailed (to my mind) instructions. (We all brought our own computers to the class and worked on them along with the instructor.) I learned towards the end of the class that there was at least one other student who also felt "panicked" when a technique involved more than a couple of steps. Since I already knew most of the info the instructor was covering, I was able to help the person sitting next to me and I made it a challenge to finish my work fast enough to help her catch up.

All of that to say, don't assume all of the students will follow your instructions exactly. And I think Greg's idea of pairing more advanced students with less advanced students is a good one - as long as the more advanced students don't feel "used", which could happen as they will have paid to take the class as a student, not a teacher. It's a tough call.

As far as a pre-test. I think it's a good idea so that you know what level your students are at, You can present it as a test which the students will take on the first day and on the last day (same test.) This will allow you to see what level the students are at the beginning, and allow the students to see how much they've learned throughout the class at the end. You might want to keep the first test until the very end of class, after they've taken the last test and then hand it back to them so they can see for themselves. If you don't hand it back until the end of class and don't give them a grade, then they shouldn't feel as though they've failed. I've had teachers do this before and I never felt that it was some sort of "judgement" - just a way for the instructor to better tailor the class to my needs.

My lesson will be something like:
"Let's start by double clicking on the Elements icon......."

And make sure to wait until everyone actually has Elements up and running before continuing. I know you already know that, but you might want to make sure that the icon is at the same position on every screen in the room, or some students will be confused.

Anyone want to suggest some fun ways to test for skill level?

I would make it multiple choice - inifinitely easier than fill-in-the-blank. Go through your lesson plans and create a couple of questions from each that would indicate to you that the student has a grasp of the knowledge. Obviously, the less advanced students won't be able to answer many of them, so you'll want to include some basic computer skills questions as well. (Things that they should know and NEED to know in order for class to go smoothly for you. E.g., how to start an application, how to find a file, how to open an image, etc.)

Hope this helps some. Good luck!
Jeanie

[clare]

Hi Vikki,

First I think you would make a great teacher - the preperation you are doing now is good. ( my college's idea of Photoshop classes was to sit you in front of a computer tell you how to save a file - in the wrong place! - and say go to the filter menu!! - needless to say no one learnt anything and I found the whole experience fustrating.) The fact that you are asking questions and putting together a course structure will make it a success.

I had a thought on your test idea. Rather than you keeping the test papers let your students keep them - and review them together every week.

Don't call it a test call it a progress report -

Have all your sections on the paper
i.e.
Files and folders
scanning and saving files
retouching and restoration
(these cover all your lessons)

Next to these have however many lessons there are in boxes (8)

Each lesson ask them to fill in the progress report, in the next box.

This way a majority of your students will have a large amount of missed boxes in lesson one, but by lesson two they will have more ticks and by the end hopefully they will have a page full of ticks

The fact that it is a progress report allows your students to beable to see what they have learnt means that each lesson they will go home feeling wow I achieved something tonight and I have the progress report to re-enforce it. Everyone enjoys completing something.

On the back of the page or on a seperate page have just a blank bunch of lines with the tittle of something like 'additional information I have learnt' This is for your students to add what ever they have learnt above the information in the course structure - so its like a Plus list. ( this will mean if a student has a certain image with a certain problem that they have overcome they can add that there )

Hope this helps
Good Luck
Clare

[Vikki]

Update: 11-5-02

As I was completing the teacher's packet forms, it occured to me that I had better find out right away if the school had computers and software available for my class.
I called the director with these specific questions. They do have computers (22) and Photoshop available. The director suggested we conduct the interview right away, and at that time, we could further discuss the course requirements. So, I have an interview tomorrow afternoon.
This is what I will be taking to the interview:
The required forms
A course outline/timeline
A class fee proposal
A large portfolio of my work
Printed versions of my online tutorials (perhaps this will give him an idea of my "style").
Have I forgotten anything?

The only obstacle to this whole thing is whether there will be an interest. Even though I believe there is, (8000+ visitors to my website) there isn't actually much one could do to prove it - on a local basis.

Stay tuned for the interview outcome!

[clare]

Good Luck with your interview.

[Doug Nelson]

Don't forget to mention your 1000+ teacher's assistants

[BigAl]

I missed this one somehow...

From a teaching standpoint, I would like to keep the class small, so I would guess that 20 people would be the max. Tuition wise, I would like about 150 students.

20 is a good number if you're on your own in a computer lab. Any more, and you'll end up losing many of your students (says he speaking from experience )

Also, if you're wanting to take the course to the printing stage, make sure the lab has a decent printer.

As far as testing computer skill level is concerned, the best is sitting them in front of a computer and asking them to type a passage into a word processor. If your passage is complex enough, you will get a good idea of their capabilities.

Luck with the interview

[d_kendal]

Hi Vikki,

Doesn't sound like you've forgotten anything, good luck on your interview!! I'll be very interested to hear how this all works out. I've done some computer tutoring and things like that and I've found that teaching can actually be a very interesting learning experience. you'll sometimes pick up things you wouldn't have thought of before, and it really reinforces what you've already learned. you really know that you understand a technique or whatever completely if you can teach it well to somebody else.

- David

[Vikki]

The interview went great!!
The director was very enthusiastic. He is even considering putting my course on the cover of an upcoming brochure!
We discussed plans to have the local newspaper do a feature story, which he will arrange. This will help promote their programs, as well as mine.
My class will be added to the "Spring" (February) schedule.
He recommended 1 night a week, instead of two, as many people find it hard to get two free nights a week. Class minimum is 6, and maximum (because of computers) is 12.
There are a few other items to be worked out, but all in all it's a go.
Now, hopefully there is an interest in this area!
Stay tuned.....

[clare]

Many Congrates

It sounds like all the hard work has paid off.

An advertisement will also help your business so you win all round - go get yourself a beer or wine to celebrate - you deserve it.

Clare

[G. Couch]

Sounds great Vikki! It's nice to see the director has enthusiasm...your presentation and hard work must have really paid off. 6-12 students sounds like a perfect number to me.

[Ed_L]

Congratulations Vikki. I knew it would be a positive meeting for you. Consider your first teaching job a learning experience, which it is sure to be.

Ed

[jeaniesa]

Vikki,

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you and for the college! Wow - nice to have the director so enthusiastic. That will really help with the advertising!

If the catalog has an "instructor bio" section, you might want to see if they will include your website. (Also in the newspaper ads.) That way, people will be able to visually see what the course description is talking about.

Jeanie

[Vikki]

Thanks for all your continued support, it's great!

I just remembered something that might be worth noting.
Can you believe, I somehow managed to smear a line of coffee across my application! (Murphy's Law?)Nice first impression, huh? Luckily, the director didn't spend more than 60 seconds looking at it. He focused his attention on the course outline I had prepared.
He said that 95% of the instructors he interviews, don't have any plans or even ideas about how they will teach the class. He said he was impressed that I was organized and had everything planned out. (which probably makes his job much easier).
We restorers must be a different breed. Everyone here discussed a course plan, right away!

[stevic]

Hi

This is my first post here, I guess it had to happen sooner or later. I'm presently in a photoshop photo restoration course at my local junior college. They generally have two classes per semester and both classes are full at the start with 35 seats. Pre req were a photoshop beginners cource and also a intermediate course. Check out www.santarosa.edu computer & informational sciences section there are course outlines and descriptions there. One instructor there boasted that the "JC" has the largest assortment of adobe training classes in the country.

Good Luck!
Craig Carlson
Sebastopol,Ca.