Course Objectives

Students will develop a general understanding of the subject area, and learn to understand relations and opportunities in creative activity, learning and teaching.

Students will:

• develop knowledge related to the use of information and communications technology within the subject area.
• develop aesthetic and visual communicative abilities and gain awareness of their own position.
• acquire knowledge of the relevant hardware and software with regard to assignments within arts, dissemination, teaching and learning, as well as develop a critical and evaluative attitude towards ICT.
• develop the ability to examine the consequences of the use of digital technology in visual creative subject areas, and in relation to learning needs in society.
• acquire a basic understanding and knowledge of the development and use of technology in visual creative activities.

Course Description

Digital image processing represents a broad range of different skills and areas of use. Present visual communication is increasingly becoming digital. Knowledge and use of visual communication is a necessary requirement in many fields, and basic skills of the subject area have become necessary for teachers in communicative, and visual and creative subjects.

ICT is an important tool in many areas of society including teaching Education in the Arts. ICT may be used for sourcing information, communication, creating digital forms of expression and presentations, and as an aid in the creative process of using specific materials etc. Therefore, ICT is an integral part of the education system both as an auxiliary tool for sourcing information, communication, and as a comprehensive tool in various creative processes, and as an independent means of expression. Thus, it is important to assess its use in relation to primary and secondary school curricula. In addition, the course material will include content about society’s use of visual communication and image processing.

The course is aimed at using ICT in teaching arts in primary and lower secondary schools, and design, media and communication in upper secondary schools. The course will provide students with a solid foundation for working and further developing the subject area. By alternating theory and practice, students will consequently develop theoretical and practical skills. The various elements of the course should be considered together, and contribute to the student's basic skills and knowledge of the subject, which will enable him/her to participate in creative work and teaching of the subject; and also further work and specialised studies within the subject area. The didactic perspective within the subject area will provide students with the opportunity to develop a diversified attitude with regards to our relationship to and coexistence with technology in an increasingly technocratic society.

Course unit 1: Idea, Project, and Technique (5 ECTS)

This course unit provides an introduction to the course and presents various basic methods and knowledge that will enable students to work effectively with the other course units. It covers the basic techniques, ideas, development and project planning that are essential for further work in the rest of the course.

The content of the course may vary from the content in the plan for the academic year, but it should on the whole contain the following elements, provided they are not specifically included in the other course units.

Students should be able to understand and use theoretical and practical knowledge related to:

• current study techniques within the creative digital field.
• some of the most frequently used tools within creative digital work with a focus on digital photography and image processing.
• techniques for developing ideas, possible forms of project planning and documentation that have relevance for his course.
• different forms of information acquisition and effective use of the Internet.
• issues concerning the validity of different types of information, including copyright.
• health and economic issues related to the subject area.

Course unit 2: The Illustrative Image (10 ECTS)

This course unit analyses different forms of illustration. Students will work with aspects of communication within well-defined and more open frameworks. In addition, students will examine the possibility of mediating predefined content by using various visual forms of expression. The course unit provides both theory and practical experience using digital image processing from basic image processing and digital drawing to more advanced techniques of adjustment and manipulation.

The course unit consists of formal aesthetic and visual communicative studies combined with technical studies; and it is generally didactic, and didactic issues may be specifically integrated into parts of the assignments.

Students will understand and apply practical and theoretical knowledge related to:

• digital photography, editing and manipulation
• didactic digital-based illustrations
• free use of digital-based illustrations
• basic communication theory and aesthetic tools within visual communication
• basic issues related to processing of images for screen and print.

The course unit focuses on digital image processing, image analysis, formal and content related tools, communication theory and technical issues.

Course unit 3: The Three Dimensional Image (10 ECTS)

This course unit analyses work with three-dimensional forms represented in two-dimensions. Knowledge and understanding related to the visual construction of an object, presence and representation in three-dimensions will be explored by using virtual objects in the virtual space.

Students will understand and apply practical and theoretical knowledge related to:

• three-dimensional representations of various digital objects in virtual digital space.
• the relationship between complex three-dimensional forms and the use of elementary forms in creating them.
• form, dissolution, surface and lighting of digital three-dimensional objects in space.
• relations between digital three-dimensional design, design studies and design.
• society’s use of 3D visualisation within art, design and media.

The course unit focuses on: observing and understanding tactile forms as they are represented in reality and understood in relation to digital expressions; understanding of design and objects; relevant technical issues; and the use of three-dimensional digital forms of expressions in art and media.

Course unit 4: The Living Image and the Interactive Image (15 ECTS)

This course unit focuses on techniques, content, expression and dissemination using video/film and/or animation. In addition, it also problematises digital presentations and communication forms in which different types of digital media are combined. Dissemination using living images with sound will often need different techniques or forms of expression than still images. The various forms of cooperation in a production process and the relevant aspects of this work will be focused on. Didactic aspects regarding cooperation and group work in teaching situations and schools will also be of particular interest.

Students will understand and apply practical and theoretical knowledge related to:

• dissemination of living images, mainly within film and animation.
• digital video editing and cutting techniques
• various forms of distribution of video and/or animation.
• digital sound processing.
• relevant digital animation techniques.
• forms of cooperation and organisation.
• graphic design aimed at communicative interactivity and dissemination.
• society’s use of digital-based interactivity within the field of art, design and media.

The course unit focuses on dramaturgy, digital video techniques in recording, editing, and finishing the product for distribution.

Subject didactics

This target area discusses the advantages of technology and its limitations within the subject area. In addition, it provides meaningful information about how to organise instruction to meet the intentions of the curricula. The teaching focuses on the five basic skills in the Knowledge Promotion Reform. Reflection on the possible consequences of technology, also constitutes an important focus. Subject didactics is integrated into all the course units and together with subject theory covers 15 ECTS.

Students will be able to:

• analyse and evaluate digital image processing according to the current curricula.
• discuss and assess hardware and software in relation to teaching requirements in schools.
• plan, implement and assess the use of ICT in teaching by focusing on project work and problem solving teaching.
• examine the pedagogical consequences of the use of ICT in the subject area.
• discuss and reflect upon the use of technology in relation to values in subject areas, culture and society.
• discuss how daily use of digital images, expressions and information technology influences our everyday life and the development of children and adolescents.

Research and Development

This target area will focus on how knowledge is acquired and developed, and the importance of subject renewal.

Students will be able to:

• explain important elements in research and development activities with regard to the use of ICT in creative work in the context of teaching.
• explain the principal methods and approaches for acquiring knowledge of visual communication and digital image processing.
• carry out development activities by identifying research problems; use source material; present and assess results; formulate options and renewal opportunities within the subject area.

Learning Methods

The course is divided into 4 course units in addition to a teaching practice placement. The course units build on one another from the subject material and in practical terms. Each of the course units are structural parts of the course, which are assessed and must receive a passing grade before the student will be permitted to take the final graded written examination and write the final project, which has a research element.

1. Idea, Project and Technique	5 ECTS
2. The Illustrative Image	10 ECTS
3. The Three Dimensional Image	10 ECTS
4. The Living Image and the Interactive Image	15 ECTS

The various course units relate to particular target areas with specific content and subject material. The target areas from one course unit may inform or help to explain other target areas that are covered during the course. Important questions may be tackled from several different angles by using a variety of approaches. The course structure allows students to work on developing questions that address several different areas of the subject. The specific aspect of the subject area, the alternation between professional practice and creative activity on the one hand, and a cultural basis, subject theory and subject didactics on the other hand, will be maintained through a holistic approach.

The academic year is divided into six periods of different lengths in addition to a written home assignment.

• Four course unit periods (40 ECTS)
• Teaching practice
• Final project (20 ECTS)

During the initial periods the student will solve several practical assignments related to the subject material that is presented during the period. The assignments and course units are structured to ensure progression, so students gain experience and knowledge in one course unit before moving on to the next. The teaching is done in parallel to the assignments, and includes an introduction to the practical work methods and subject theory. The interaction between aesthetic dissemination and creative activity, theory and reflection constitutes an important and effective teaching and learning method.

During the course, students will be expected to work independently, as well as in groups. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 37.5 hours per week working on their studies. They will be supervised by their teachers about half of this time.

Joint theory for specialisation courses

Some of the subject material may be considered common for all of the specialised courses. This will be mediated largely though seminars/lectures for the programme, Subject Teacher: Education in the Arts. The subject material that is presented in these joint seminars may vary from year to year; consult the course reading list.

Other activities

In addition to these periods and the various parts of the course assessment (for instance, written home assignment and final project), activities such as ‘Open Door’ and ‘Research Days’ (and possibly other external activities) will be scheduled.

In activities such as ‘Open Door’, students will be given the opportunity to participate in course-related extracurricular activities. Through such activities they will gain experience in meeting the public and mediating topical material though exhibits as well as oral and audio-visual demonstrations.

Project work, visits to exhibitions, and excursions are also part of the course. Excursions will be organised whenever this is appropriate. In addition, there may be visits to exhibitions of interest and/or industrial concerns/businesses if this is suitable. Internal and external projects of interest can in special cases replace assignment periods, if these are considered to be equivalent in terms of syllabus content to one or more assignment periods.

Practical experience

Three weeks of the academic year are reserved for practical experience, which is normally associated with the teaching of crafts in upper secondary schools, folk high schools or other educational environments. This is a nationwide course so the teaching practice may be placed outside the university college’s immediate geographic area.

Teaching practice reports must be submitted one week after the practice period is completed. Both the practice work and the report form the basis for the assessment of the practice period. Information about the practice period may be accessed at the following web address: www.hit.no / main / efl / praksisadministrasjonen.

All students who are not enrolled on a three-year subject-teacher programme should normally complete a period of work-experience at a business or complete project practice (please refer to separate guidelines). These students may also apply to complete their practice period at a school if desired. Please send your application to the Coordinator for Studies and the Practice Office.

“Business” in this context refers to an industrial or crafts business, workshop, public or private gallery or other type of activity which will provide the relevant practice for students of art and design and arts and handicrafts. It is a requirement that the business in question should be registered with the Bronnøysundregister and have its own number.

In consultation with the teacher, students will plan, implement and evaluate assignments, and the fulfil the requirements for documentation, which will be in addition to the ordinary assignments carried out at the work experience business. The work experience period may be related to the student's final project; students must reach agreement with the subject teacher and business regarding this.

If the student on completing the Bachelor’s programme chooses to take a 60 ECTS Teacher Education Programme (PPU), then he/she may apply to have the period of teaching practice approved as part of the required PPU teaching practice. In this case, the student should follow the regulations for teaching practice for subject-teachers’ third year of study.

The student is not awarded credits for the period of practical experience, but it must be completed and approved before the student can sign up for the exam and before a diploma can be issued.

Student Council

Students will be expected to choose their own Student Council consisting of 2-3 students who function as intermediaries between the teaching team and the class. When appropriate, the Student Council may participate in team meetings in order to discuss matters related to the planning of class activities. Students will also choose the representative for the course committee for joint lectures. The Student Council and the Course Committee for joint theory should have at least one meeting per semester. The class leader is responsible for ensuring that representatives are appointed, and he/she will summon the first meeting. Minutes from these meetings will be recorded. These will be submitted to the Coordinator for Studies and the Head of the Department.

Assessment Methods

There should be a relation between the aims, content, teaching and learning methods and assessment of the course. The assessment will form an important part of the actual learning. It will also act as a means of allowing the individual student to both develop understanding of the aims of the course, and to acquire insight into his/ her own suitability for work in the subject area, in relation to individual creative work, and in the context of schools. The assessment also aims at guiding the students, such guidance may include: the studying process; the result of work carried out during the course; and the cooperation between students.

The final assessment will be based on documented results. Individual practical, aesthetical and creative work will be important together with documented theoretical knowledge that shows the relation between the single elements and the whole. To pass the course, students must document their knowledge within all the target areas. All of the course units, as well as teaching practice, must receive passing marks in order for the student to take graded examinations: the final written examination and the final project.

All the assignments must be completed, submitted at the appointed times, and evaluated as passed (as it is stipulated in the semester plan/year plan/period plan) in order to take the final graded examinations. Students are personally responsible for orienting themselves about assignment requirements, other requirements and deadlines. Assignments submitted too late may not be accepted for assessment. The teaching practice must receive a passing mark in order for the student to take part in the final assessment.

The joint theory lectures represent a “passing point”, which requires 80% attendance. Students who do not meet the attendance requirement must write a written assignment on the basis of course literature and course compendiums. The assignment must be approved before the student may be allowed to sit the examination.

The course units will be internally assessed as pass/fail.

Examination:

Individual written examination; 5-day home assignment

The student will write an assignment with a theoretical/ didactic focus on a given topic. There are specific requirements related to the organisation, structure and the student’s ability to use the subject material. The written assignment should consist of a maximum of 10 pages, using 12-point font and 1.5 line spacing. See ‘Guidelines for Written Work at Telemark University College’.

Final project, 20 ECTS:

Twelve weeks are allocated to a project which carries out an in-depth study of an element of the subject area. The project is carried out individually and should integrate subject material from the course. The work on the final project should mainly relate to the use of ICT within the sphere of visually creative activities, and should include a didactic element. The goal is to allow the student to gain experience in executing independent work on the subject with a research element, and provide an opportunity for the student to specialise in one or several aspects of the subject, as well as develop the student’s ability to carry out analytical and structured work. The result will consist of practical aesthetic work, thorough documentation, relevant theoretical material, and a written report fulfilling the normal requirements for report writing, and a comprehensive presentation.

The choice of topic will be made by the student in agreement with the subject teacher.

The final project has a mandatory requirement for supervision, and the individual student is responsible for contacting the subject teacher and arranging supervision. In addition, students will organise their own reading list related to the project, which should include about 200 pages; the reading list should be referred to in the report.

Weighting:
Individual written examination, 5-day home examination	20%
Final project	80%

On the diploma, the title of the final project will be entered. A letter grade will be given, on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest possible grade, and E is the lowest passing grade. Both parts of the examination must receive passing marks before the examination is considered passed. The teaching practice period must be given a passing grade in order to receive a diploma.

Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for further information.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean