The I.T. Suite is equipped with 4 PCs and 1 laptop all using the windows operating system. Most clients will start of learning the basic office based skills such as typing (Mavis Beacon or Microsoft word), spreadsheets, databases and presentations (all microsoft office).
We also provide training in a variety of other computer based subjects including digital photography, digital image manipulation using Adobe photoshop, Video filming, editing and rendering either for fun or for the more serious minded we now have a new digital camcorder the canon XM2, (this camera is used extensively on programs on the discovery chanel) this gives us the ability to produce broadcast quality videos, there are (or will be soon) a few films available to download form the site however they have been reduced and compressed for download speed and ease of viewing. If required we can also deliver training for certain music related and desk top Publishing packages.
Below is a typical programme of activities, all activities can be tailored to suit the individual.
Digital Photography workshops
The aim of this workshop is to teach the participants the basic concepts of digital photography, the basic camera functions, framing the picture downloading to the PC, printing and changing the format of the image.
The course consists of:
- Getting to know the camera
- What makes a good picture
- Pictures to PC
- Viewing and printing
- Image manipulation
To the beginner most of today’s cameras have a bewildering array of buttons and functions, the first session will guide you through the functions and menus of the camera (if you have your own camera you can bring it with you for specific tuition on it) although there are many different brands of camera most functions are represented by the same icons and will be recognisable whatever camera is used. The workshop will also have an explanation of picture formats i.e. JPEG, GIF, TIFF etc.
What makes a good picture?
Participants will learn the basic concepts of framing the picture, what to look out for, the methods for avoiding the object that will spoil the image, the rule of thirds sometimes referred to as the golden mean and many other tips to better pictures. This section of the workshop is useful for traditional photography as well as digital.
Pictures to PC
Quite simply how to get the pictures from the camera to the PC
Viewing and printing
From the PC there are a number of options available for viewing your images, changing format, creating a slide show, even making a small movie with a soundtrack or commentary. Printing your pictures will also be covered in this section along with saving to various types of media.
Image manipulation
One of the best aspects of digital photography is the ability to manipulate (change) the image using image editing software, in this section we deal with the basic concepts of manipulation i.e. cropping, colour balance, brightness/contrast, touching up blemishes, removing red eye and removing unwanted objects prom the image. Image manipulation software can be complex and as such the workshops can be tailored to suit the participants.