Graphic Communications I is a hands-on class in which you learn about each stage of the media production process — and then use the tools you learned about to complete various media production projects and assign-ments. Given the dynamic nature of the graphic communications industry, one of the primary goals of this class will be to give students a broad range of experience which encompasses both print media and electronic media.

Graphic Communications I is a beginning class, but from there you can take Graphic Communications 2 and Visual Imaging Technology. After that you can go on to college and a career in the field of graphic communications and visual imaging. Keep in mind that you are eligible for many scholarships to study graphic communications in college.

Graphic Communications 2 is about the tools, technologies and creativity we use to convert images (such as drawings, artwork, words + symbols) into print media. What is print media? Anything that has an image on it is print media: posters, CD covers, bumper stickers, packaging, T-shirts and a million other things. GC2 builds on the basic skills you gained in Graphic Communications 1. There are 5 basic outcomes for GC2:

1. Design and produce multi-color print media by using both screen and offset printing methods.
2. Use software and hardware to acquire, manipulate, and place images into a page design program.
3. Utilize digital tools to produce grayscale, jpg. and gif. images.
4. Utilize Internet tools to produce professional websites.
5. Utilize various bindery equipment to finish and bind a print media project.

Visual Imaging Technology is a "real work," self-directed, hands-on class. In a "real work" setting students are only asked to do work that relates to the "real world" of the graphics industry. "Real Work" also means learning how to produce real stuff for real people (we call them clients). The "real world" is where problem-solving skills, reading and writing finally get put to good use. On the graphics side of all this, students will learn advanced techniques for creating images, manipulating images, and using screen printing, offset printing and website development tools to get those images on to something. Begin to imagine the possibilities

Information Technology is about the tools and technologies we use to create digital media. Digital media includes images, video, audio, animation, multimedia and the Internet. Students will take on the new role of "media producer" rather than that of "media consumer".

Information Technology is a computer intensive, project-based, hands-on course. Careers in the Information Technology industry and the process of solving problems with information technology will be ongoing themes throughout the semester.