Electives @ OA

Computing Fundamentals
Teacher:  Elaine Hester
A broad introduction to the use of computers as tools for creativity, communications, and organizing information. In addition to ethical and technical fundamentals of computer and Internet use, students will learn and gain mastery of the Microsoft Office tools for writing, analyzing and presenting information. Students will also gain a foundation of practical uses for information technology to assist them in other coursework throughout their high school and college education. In addition to Microsoft Office, students will practice their keyboarding skills using Mavis Beacon software. Students will be evaluated based on their contribution to class discussions, research and writing skills, and technical and conceptual development as demonstrated through in-class projects.

Multimedia/Web Design
Teacher:  Elaine Hester
This course emphasizes the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual practices of digital imaging and web design and provides an introduction to storyboarding and motion graphics. Students will learn to apply the fundamentals of design, color theory, and concept development to creative and dynamic composition. Aesthetic, technical, historical, and conceptual issues will be addressed through lectures, demonstrations, exercises, projects, and readings. Students will be introduced to software packages such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Dreamweaver, and Maya. Students will be evaluated based on their contribution to class discussions and critiques, as well as their aesthetic, technical, and conceptual development as demonstrated by the quality of projects produced.

Yearbook Production
Teacher:  Elaine Hester
This is a computer lab class for the production of the Orinda Academy yearbook.  Emphasis will be upon developing skills in visual design, photography, editing, journalism, time and business management, leadership, and teamwork. Students will learn to create pages using Adobe Photoshop as well as Lifetouch online software and will be responsible for the creation of their own pages. Class is open to all interested students and is graded based on participation and timely submission of pages.