Photoshop is a graphic design, photo editing software application that allows users to edit and manipulate images. Photoshop fosters student creativity as it allows students to showcase their work visually.
Students today are raised with technology and a study has revealed that “the use of ICT enables richer, more engaging learning environments”, thus by incorporating modern technologies such as Photoshop students are being provided with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives (Kwok, 2020).
Photoshop fosters student creativity as it allows students to use a student-centred approach when exploring and experimenting with different design tools including photos, text, and illustrations. Photoshop provides tools including drawing and painting options which allows students to experiment with different colours, brush thickness, shapes, and textures providing students with the freedom to express themselves and be creative (Shaath et al., 2017). Through multimedia design using Photoshop students can develop their cognitive and design-based skills as it allows students to externalise their internal thoughts via their designs, supporting the constructivist pedagogy (Liu, 2003). Students use a constructivist approach when experimenting and creating their designs as they can adjust colours, use special effects and visual elements to design their image. Multimedia learning has proven to be effective as students learn better when digital elements and images are added as opposed to words alone (Mayer, 2005).
The NSW Stage 5 syllabus for Creative Arts requires students to use digital files and technology platforms to experiment with a range of selected forms of media (NESA, NA). Photoshop provides students with the opportunity to develop their technical skills, enhance creativity and collaborate with peers fostering student creativity. Students learn and develop new skills and techniques to incorporate into their Art classes including image manipulation, 3D modelling, photo editing skills and colour correction. Photoshop provides students with a range of creative possibilities to enhance their learning.
Photoshop offers many benefits for students however there are some limitations. Photoshop may be difficult for beginners and as such teachers will need to allocate time to familiarise themselves and students with the application. Additionally, Photoshop can only be accessed via a creative cloud subscription that has to be paid monthly or annually. Some students and schools may not have the funds to access this technology and as such may miss out on using this application.
References:
Kwok, J. (2020, February 7). How education technology improves student engagement. ACC Blog. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/technology-improves-student-engagement/
Liu, M. (2003). Enhancing Learners Cognitive Skills Through Multimedia Design. Interactive learning environments. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1076/ilee.11.1.23.13686?needAccess=true&role=button
Mayer, R. E. (2005). Introduction to multimedia learning. The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning, 2(1), 24.
Shaath, M. Z., Al-Hanjouri, M., Naser, S. S. A., & ALdahdooh, R. (2017). Photoshop (CS6) intelligent tutoring system.
Visual design 7–10 syllabus (2004). Visual Design 7–10 | NSW Education Standards. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/creative-arts/visual-design-7-10
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