Profile Pictures and Avatars

Introduction:

Profile Images and Avatars

What People Really Think When They See Your Profile Picture

In the virtual world, there is no relying on nonverbal communication for revelations about the person conversing with you. Therefore, the impression depends, to start with, on the message imparted by the profile -- and by the picture in particular. Because people spend an increasing amount of time on computers or mobile devices, they have developed a way of quickly and automatically forming impressions of one another from profiles. Such impressions are based on open and hidden hints and, surprisingly, are quite accurate for the most part.

Profile images are everywhere these days: profile images on Google Accounts, Snapchat, Instagram and online video games.

With so much our lives existing online these days, we are often expected to have a profile image or avatar* version that communicates messages about who we are as a person.


Objectives: 

• We will use online technology and cameras to share images with our classmates and on BLEND.
• We will use listening, writing and oral presentation skills to communicate what we learned about our classmates. 

*Academic Vocabulary: 

• Profile Picture: a photo of someone's face that represents who they are using online platforms.
• Avatar: an electronic image that represents and is manipulated by a computer user in a virtual space
• Submit: turn in your work to teacher using online tools.

Product 1: Taking a headshot

The Worst Mistakes in Choosing Your Profile PictureThis article gives a good quick overview of what not to do for a profile picture.

BLEND Profile Image

When we use BLEND this year, there will be a place to add a profile image for yourself.

Before we get into using BLEND let's work on creating an avatar that we can use for the rest of the school year.

Options for creating a profile picture: 

• Use your cell phone to take a headshot.
• Use PhotoBooth program on the computer to take a picture of yourself in class.
• Use a class camera in the classroom to take a picture.

Product 2:  Making an avatar 

Here is a list of different services that you can use to create an avatar this year:

16 Personalities Test Avatar

https://avatarmaker.com

Face Your Manga

Hero Machine

Bitmoji (Must use Chrome and download a Chrome extension)


Criteria: 

• It can be realistic, imaginary or just fun.
• It should reflect your personality
• Keep it school appropriate.

Submit: 

When you are done making your avatar and taking your picture, download your file and submit it to the Padlet linked below:

Upload your image to Mr. Doerr's class Padlet

https://padlet.com/david_doerr/sd265v7tmr3o

Upload your image to BLEND profile image
And when you are done, choose one of your images to upload as your profile picture on BLEND.

Welcome to Principles of Arts class

Hello and welcome to Graphic Design and Illustration class at Akins!

Mr. Doerr, Mr. Claes and Ms. Alaniz are excited to have you in this class. This is a first-year intro class that leads into several options in future years at Akins. Students who take this class can take Newspaper, Yearbook, Commercial Photography and a Web Graphics Class in the future.

Class Syllabus

For Mr. Doerr's Class Syllabus, click this link. 

For Mr. Claes' Class Syllabus, click this link.

BLEND

Take a moment to explore the different features of the BLEND Web site.

The Eagle's Eye story
https://akinseagleseye.com/sections/news/2017/08/14/austin-isd-introduces-new-online-classroom-connection-tool/

Canvas Student Guide
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10701

Canvas Student Tour Videos
https://resources.instructure.com/courses/32/pages/canvas-student-tour-videos

And check out the quick demo video to see how to sign-up and how it works.

Standards Based Grading

This year, Principles of Arts will be using Standards Based Grading. You are probably using this in some of our core classes. It's the same here. Instead of just getting a single numerical grade on each assignment, you will be graded on whether you were able to show proficiency and possibly mastery of each standard we cover in this class.

Check out our handy dandy chart to explain how it works.
SBG Chart

Mac and Server Skills

Click on the link below to download a file that will explain some basic Mac and Server skills you will need to master to do well in this class.

Basic Mac and Server Skills (click on me!)

We will walk through most of these skills together in class. Take special note of Steps 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9. You will receive your first grade in this class by saving photos in the correct folder and posting them to your own student blog.

Flipwork (Homework)
Watch the brief video on The Fundamental Elements of Design to give you a preview of the concepts that we will learn during this class.

Be prepared to write a brief reflection on the video when you return to class.

Pay close attention to the following:

• Elements of Design
• What is design?
• How to make brands iconic?

Failing
We want everyone in this class to fail. Sounds awful, right? What we mean is that we want everyone to do a lot of work even if it isn't what you think is "great." We all have to practice and fail a lot before we can get to the point where our work might be considered "great."

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.