A light went on for me today with layering and graphics and I think I’ve figured out how to start using them with my teaching. I really struggled with understanding the “concept” of layering – though get the idea but until I played around a bit with Adobe Photoshop and read, and then re-read Keith’s information I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around the idea. The concept is straight forward now that I’ve read a little and played and do see the use in education. I’m not sure at this point how to create something as professional looking as Usman’s chemistry diagram, but think I could get there with time and practice. I’m more comfortable playing with photographs and haven’t tried using diagrams. Would a diagram search be something like – “expected behaviour in images”? I’m going to try and see what I find…
Please have a look at the “Social Skills Visual” I created and let me know your thoughts. I’m actually wondering if this truly is a layering exercise.
Background –
Layer 1 –
Layer 2 –
Layer 3 –
I would love some feedback/direction on how to add more detailed images (i.e. smaller more refined glasses) and better drawn silly glasses to images. Having the light come on with regards to how to use the “eyeball” as a way to hide “events” that I created on top of my background image was fun. I feel like this whole online learning process is a lot of trial and error and is self-driven based on my needs. It’s a lot of problem solving and when I persevere and something clicks, it’s very rewarding. Now – can someone please validate that I did actually understand the concept of layering to a degree? Ready for the critical feedback and looking to improve! Thank-you!!
Hi Nicole,
One trick I would suggest for putting glasses on your students would be to draw them using a non-dithered tool (so you don’t have the fuzzy edges) and use some real glasses as a guide.
This is another benefit of using layers. If you can find two images of glasses in the orientation you need them for your image, then add them as a new layer. Then, hide all other layers and create one more layer on top of your glasses layer. On the new layer use a solid-line drawing tool (adjust the thickness to something like 5 to 8 pixels or so) to trace over the original picture.
This is what I first used a professional graphics program for. In the 1990s I digitized a number of training area maps while in the CF using CorelDraw.
Keith