This section provides information about distance learning and tips for successfully completing this class.

1. How to be a distance education student.
2. Software requirements and RAM.
3. Problems.
4. Troubleshooting + Photoshop Support Sites


1. How to be a distance education student:
Communication with the instructor - Students need to communicate with the instructor from the first day of class. Stay in contact throughout the class with the instructor. Makes sure to ask questions to the instructor through e-mail and chat.

Be Efficient - It is important that you manage your time. Give yourself time limits to complete tasks. Take frequent little breaks. Once you get going in Photoshop time flies!

Be Flexible - It is important that you understand that distant education is new to you and it will take time for you to adapt. In addition, you will be using new technology that may take some figuring out. If you get stuck, take a break - walk away from the computer. If the application seems buggy, restart the application or try restarting the computer.

Balance a Schedule - You will need to plan times to work on your distance education. Make a schedule where you can devote time just to the class. Depending on your level of skill and experience you may need to spend more time on certain assignments.

Resourcefulness - Know where to find help. If you are having problems you can ask a friend, family member, search the Internet, or, ask your instructor. If you are having equipment problems try and fix it right away. Don't put it off because you will fall behind in the class.

Persistence - Before you begin a distance education class you will need to make a decision to finish. It will not be easy, but you will have to discipline yourself to study, read, and spend many hours in Photoshop. Practice and 'playing' in Photoshop is how one becomes proficient at it. The more time spent the more you will learn.

Concentrate - While some of you may boast that you can watch a movie, listen to music, text, chew gum and drive your car all at the same time, recent research suggests, that multi-tasking impairs one's concentration on doing individual things well. So take time to read carefully each lesson before you begin working on it. Print out all of the lessons so you can refer to them in print form. If you have questions, concerns, or technical troubles please contact me immediately.


2. Software Requirements and ram:
SOFTWARE FOR THIS CLASS: Photoshop CS5.

BROWSER: The most recent version of your favorite browser: Firefox, Safari, IE... Have two different browsers installed and ready to go so that you can use either.

See course page for list and links to free downloadable software.

Photoshop loves RAM! Make sure you have at least 1 GB of RAM. It will increase your productivity, and Photoshop operates better with more ram (faster processing speed and less crashes.) See Lesson 1 for more information about Photoshop and RAM.

3. Problems viewing Jean's video tutorials:
If you have problems viewing the video tutorials you need to install the most recent version of your browser. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Please contact me if you have any problems viewing/understanding any of the class material.


4. For other general troubeshooting and websites that offer Photoshop support see:

Dictionary of computer terms:
pcwebopaedia.com

Troubleshooting Photoshop:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/

Adobe Support

Photoshop Gurus (users forum)

Photoshop Ninja (tips and tricks)