MMR Photoshop & Workflow – Quick Reference

Maximum score: $100$ ; final grade influenced by an 0.85 multiplier on averaged grades; extra credit components add up to the remaining points (up to $15$ ).
Grading formula (conceptual): $ext{Final} = 0.85 \times S + E$ where $S$ is the sum of graded items (excluding extra credit) and $E$ is extra credit up to $15$ .
Missed assignments: a zero lowers the average; partial credit possible for incomplete work.
Redo policy: one redo allowed for a single homework; old grade is replaced by the new one.
Communication: email the instructor if you have issues submitting work.
Attendance: census after two weeks; missing too many classes can lead to dropping from the course.
Breaks: 20-minute break at mid-point of class; breaks allowed in Zoom as needed.

Live class room: Room 213 has all required software; log in to school computers for full applications.
Remote access: iPad via Splashtop; you’ll receive an invitation and choose a computer to run apps.
On-campus labs: Student Learning Center on the mezzanine has Mac laptops with the software.
Delivery of materials: modules and weekly files are available via Canvas; drop-off and submission may use OneDrive/SharePoint as described by instructor.
TA support: Cordell Brown available in breakout rooms for one-on-one help.

Weekly modules: download the compressed folder from the module in Canvas, unzip, and submit via the designated drop area.
File naming convention (to avoid sorting issues): use a three-dash convention for the first name when submitting, so the file name appears in a predictable order. Example: set the first name field to "---" and the last name field to your actual last name (e.g., Foster). This helps with alphabetical sorting in the instructor’s review tools.
If you need to resubmit, do so; the instructor will review and update the grade.
If you encounter naming or upload problems, use Breakout Rooms with the TA for live guidance.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): e.g., SLO 3 – critique and evaluate the strength and weight of each image type for various presentation formats.
Social Media Review (homework): find a piece of art (Instagram/Facebook or alternative), write a paragraph or two describing what you like or dislike and why; justify your critique with specific visual details.
Photoshop quizzes and PSD quiz: memorize essential shortcuts and tool functions (PSD stands for Photoshop Document; shortcut mastery saves time).
Critical thinking emphasis: articulate reasoning and analysis; “this SLO” guides assignment alignment.
Reading and visualization: reading helps you translate text into visual concepts; not a formal homework, but strongly encouraged.
Tools and portfolio: aim to produce strong, review-ready pieces that can populate a portfolio.

Live attendance: roll call around 08:00; if you miss multiple sessions, you may be dropped.
Breakout rooms: used for deeper questions or one-on-one help with the TA.
Participation: connecting with the instructor and peers improves outcomes and recommendations for future opportunities.

Adobe subscription: via CollegeBuys; typically six months for about $50$ (subscription cost is a major class expense avoided by this deal).
Cameras and hardware: turn on cameras when possible; if you don’t have a camera, consider acquiring a basic one.
Drawing tablets: sub-$100 options are viable; brand examples include Huion; many are Mac-compatible.
Why a tablet? Drawing with a pen is far more precise than a mouse; tablets are pressure-sensitive and ergonomic; trackpads are usually inadequate for drawing.
Alternatives: a traditional mouse is better than a trackpad for this work; you can start with a small tablet and upgrade later.
General setup: larger monitors reduce eye strain and increase productivity; ensure your workspace is comfortable for long sessions.

Backups: use an external hard drive plus cloud storage; Time Machine (Mac) can automate backups.
Ransomware reality: always have offline backups; relying solely on the cloud risks data loss if access is blocked.
Practical backup strategy: maintain multiple copies (local external drive + cloud) and rotate devices/off-site storage.
External drives: 2 TB drives are affordable (e.g., around $85$ ); keep backups separate from your main device.
File retention: never rely on a single storage method; regular backups protect client data and personal work.

Download and extract weekly module files from Canvas; all weekly materials and the questionnaire link are contained in the module folder.
Start each week by reviewing the Photoshop basics (tools, shortcuts) and the related video links; the Photoshop quiz will cover common shortcuts.
For submissions: ensure you follow the naming hack and use the provided drop-off link; if you have issues, ask during Breakout Rooms.

Build connections: join clubs and engage with teachers; this builds long-term professional references and letters of recommendation.
Communication: ask questions; more questions often indicate shared concerns among classmates.
Professional mindset: practice presenting, read widely, and treat feedback as constructive growth.
Office hours and mental health: university resources are available for stress management and well-being during exams and deadlines.

Open Canvas, go to Module 1, download and unzip the week’s files.
Complete the first questionnaire via the provided link in the module; submit as directed.
Ensure you follow the three-dash naming approach for submissions to avoid sorting issues.
If you’re unsure about submission status, check the Canvas module and contact the TA via breakout room for guidance.

If Canvas or OneDrive experiences downtime, alternative upload paths (chat, Google Drive, or another drive) are available; always have a backup plan.
Cordell will assist in breakout rooms if you encounter technical issues during tutorials.
The class has a waitlist; if you’re on it, send a quick email to request a permission number if there’s an opening.

Focus on the core workflow: access to software, file submission conventions, grading logic, and the SLOs; understand the importance of backup strategies and professional development through collaboration and critique.