C4K Essentials  
   
Universal Skills Computers4Kids participants should demonstrate basic computer skills .
 
  • Create a new document
  • Save a document
  • Open an existing document
  • Organize folders and files
  • Organize content so it is readable and useable
  • Cite media from other sources
  • Import or Insert media into a program
  • Export document for use or viewing with another program
  • Print a document
   
Design Elements Computers4Kids projects should be attractive, readable and understandable for your chosen audience.
Text
Above all text should be readable. Follow the guidelines to the right to help it be so.
  • Appropriate size
  • High color/value contrast
  • Non-decorative fonts used for a large body of text
  • Proper spacing
  • We welcome other languages, but provide some English explanation
  • Use correct grammar and punctuation
Graphics
  • Proportions remain consistent
  • Proper resolution
  • Appropriate memory size
Audio
  • Appropriate volume
  • Appropriate speed
  • Clarity
Video
  • Appropriate lighting
  • Correct coloration
  • Sufficient contrast
General
  • Consistent style to the entire project
  • Appropriate difficulty and depth to content and technical aspects
   
Content Computers4Kids projects should be appropriate for a wide audience. Participants should feel proud of their accomplishments and able to share them freely, knowing that they are showing their best work.
 
  • No gore, lewdness or obscenity
  • Primarily student created
  • Properly acknowledge and cite the work of others
   
Media Specific Computers4Kids participants should demonstrate advanced proficiency in a range of software applications and media.
Graphics
Fireworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP
  • Draw shapes or lines with vector tools
  • Edit photographs or images with bitmap tools
  • Manipulate size and framing of an image
  • Apply filters and special effects
   
Audio
Audacity, Garageband
  • Record audio materials
  • Edit audio
  • Manage multiple tracks
  • Adjust volume or effects within a track or clip
   
Web
Dreamweaver
  • Create links that go to other pages within your website or to others
  • Create tables to organize content
  • Create multiple pages with a consistent look and feel
  • Edit code directly
  • Upload your website to the server
   
Video
Premier, Movie Maker, iMovie
  • Record video
  • Edit video
  • Manage multiple tracks
  • Add special effects or chapter transitions
   
Animation
Flash, Alice
  • Draw graphics or create objects
  • Manage multiple layers or tracks
  • Add motion
  • Design interactivity options for the user
  • Use a programming language
   
Print
Publisher, Blurb, Word
  • Manipulate text—position, size
  • Integrate text and image
  • Use styles or templates to automate formatting
   
Presentation
Powerpoint
  • Manipulate text—position, size
  • Integrate text and image
  • Use styles or templates to automate formatting
  • Use transitions or animations
   
3-D Modeling
Google Sketchup, Blender
  • please help us identify essential skills here