Media Literacy in the Classroom:
Using Photoshop
May 2, 2005

Workshop Agenda

Opening / Discussion (5 minutes)
This week we are looking into using Adobe Photoshop to import, edit, and print photos.  Teachers will learn when to use photoshop and the background of the program itself.  The section will only take up half of the PD time, and the rest will be used for working on projects.

Part I: Discussion: Introducing Photoshop (10 Minutes)

Where did Photoshop come from? Who uses it? What are the different versions of it?

Photoshop is a powerful program that will satisfy even the most seasoned photographers’ need for customizing their photos. It is also accessible enough for beginners to use – and build their skills with digital photo development. What file formats work with Photoshop?

  • JPG/ JPEG
  • GIF
  • PSD
  • TIFF

Part II: Activity – Importing Pictures into Adobe Photoshop (15 minutes)

Find 3 pictures online that you’d be interested in editing. 

·         Do you have pictures that your family/ friends sent you?

·         Do you know of places where you might look for pictures?

·         Reminder of Google Images and its use

Open Adobe Photoshop, and open the images with the program.  This will require a reminder of saving/opening documents

Part III: A look at Photoshop Toolbars and Tools (20 minutes)

·         Image Size/ Canvas Size

·         Pixels

·         Copy/ Paste

·         Cropping

·         RGB/CMYK

·         History

Teachers will learn what these tools do, and how to use them.  They will begin to explore these tools by editing the images that have been downloaded.

Part IV: Saving youar work: Not as Easy as it Seems! (5 minutes)

·         Flattening the image

·         Which File format?  Explaining the differences between JPG, GIFF, TIFF, and PSD

·         Where to save the file – using the Save As vs. Save


Summary: (5 minutes)

This is only the beginning of what Photoshop can do.  The rest of it ranges from the obvious to the completely obscure.  But – keep in mind that you can always undo, back up – or just not save your work.  Play with the program, play with Photoshop element – and you’ll soon be a photo pro!

If you'd like support with Photoshop - or any of the programs we've used so far - email me at

chris.vu.le@gmail.com