Online PrintED Notebook, Upcoming Training

If you are considering PrintED accreditation, you are no doubt wondering, what does a PrintED notebook look like? Well, Paul Foster, a former teacher at Soller Point High School in MD, has put his PrintED notebook online for all to view. Check it out here.

Still a little unsure? Mark your calendar for Jan. 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and join us at PIAG Headquarters for a FREE Teacher Training session with Paul Davis, former graphic arts instructor at DeKalb Tech. Paul has put together curriculum, labs, tests and resources to assist graphic communications teachers with their day-to-day instruction. In addition, many of these resources will assist those working toward PrintED certification.

Discussion covers safety procedures (including much of the information needed for the safety portion of PrintED on a take home CD) and competencies related to introduction to the graphic arts such as type, math, color and print knowledge. Bring a laptop and Paul will also touch on InDesign and give participants materials to take home that tie-in to the upcoming SkillsUSA competition.

To reserve your spot, please email Sue Rodman at suer@piag.org. There is no charge for the session and free parking is available onsite. Lunch is on your own with several fast food and fast casual restaurants within a mile of the facility. Upon completion of the program, we will post as much of the material as possible to the Graphic Communications Network, Georgia Instructors discussion group.

Sample Ruler and Pointsize Questions

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Need ruler reading or pointsize questions for a test or to review with the class? Find some here. (You may have to register, but it only takes a moment.) It's at the bottom of the post under attachments. Also attached is a printable e-scale. It can be printed onto transparency film. 3M makes a brand that is compatible with either laser or inkjet depending on what side you use.

When printing it out be sure to have page scale set to NONE or the document may scale and the images will not be accurate.

These tests were created by Paul Davis, an instructor at DeKalb Tech. PIAG will host Paul on Monday, Jan. 5 at our headquarters in Smyrna. All teachers are invited to attend at no charge. Paul has put together tests like these, curriculum, labs, and other resources to assist graphic communications instructors and would like to share his research and knowledge with anyone that is willing to give up a few hours of their day. Many of these resources will also assist those that are working toward PrintED certification. If you are interested in participating in a small group session to discuss safety procedures (including much of the information needed for the safety portion of PrintED) and competences related to introduction to the graphic arts such as type, math, color and print knowledge, this meeting is for you.

Online Resources

Looking for online resources, click here. (You may have to register, but it will only take a moment.) This extensive list, compiled by Amy Hicks, includes math help, color information, design/software, press operations, binding and finishing, paper and classroom information, as well as instructional supports. Check it out and leave a comment letting us know what you used and how you used it.

The Dot Doctor Color Show

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In addition to discussing SkillsUSA, I thought I would start using this blog to highlight useful information for graphic communication and design instructors. I'll continue to update you on the SkillsUSA program, but will also add inforamtion on PrintED and just general instructional items from a variety of sources. The aim is to give you bite sized doses easily digested and put to use. Let me know what you think.

Last July, PIAG hosted Camp T&I at our headquarters in Smyrna, Ga. As part of that program, Larry Irwin from The Pitman Company presented a wonderful powerpoint on color theory that is easily downloaded for immediate use in your classroom by going to the Graphic Communications Network. The presentation gives great examples of how the eye tricks you when seeing color. If you aren't already registered, please join more than 70 individuals interested in graphic communication education from around the country on this networking site. You are welcome to use Larry's presentation in your classroom and feel free to call him if you have questions. The link above has his contact info.

Alyssa Invited to Compete for spot at World Skills

Alyssa Ailion, the Georgia SkillsUSA winner and National SkillsUSA second place winner in graphic communications was tapped earlier this week to compete for a chance to represent the US at the WorldSkills competition in Calgary, Canada next year. PIAG is currently working with Alyssa, her former advisor Dan Campagna and representatives from Heidelberg to find a print shop that is willing to hire Alyssa and give her experience on the SpeedMaster 52, the press used at the World competition. We'll keep you posted on Alyssa's progress. If you know anyone in the NE Atlanta area that would like to assist with training, please let me know.