Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Digital Art and Design
Previous Lesson: Computer Graphic Design: CorelDraw Tools Practice.
Topic: COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN PRACTICAL
Subject Matter: Practical computer graphic design (creating simple designs using CorelDraw tools)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Identify basic tools in CorelDraw software.
Explain the steps involved in creating a simple graphic design.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of computer graphic design in modern communication.
Demonstrate patience and attention to detail while using design software.

Psychomotor Domain:

Use CorelDraw tools to draw shapes, apply colour, and add text.
Create a simple poster or label design using CorelDraw.
Save their completed graphic design work.

Collaborate with peers to solve design challenges.
Present their completed designs to the class.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2
Online CorelDraw tutorials and guides (e.g., www.coreldraw.com/tutorials)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Computer systems with CorelDraw software installed
Projector (if available) for demonstration
Sample design templates (posters, labels)
Worksheets with practical design tasks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to gain practical skills in computer graphic design, which is important for various careers and personal expression. It helps them understand how digital tools are used to create visual content for communication and marketing.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic computer literacy, including operating a computer and navigating software interfaces. They should also have some theoretical understanding of graphic design principles.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Practical Computer Graphic Design using CorelDraw

Introduction to CorelDraw Interface

CorelDraw is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Corel Corporation. It is commonly used for creating logos, posters, flyers, and other graphic designs. The main interface includes:

Workspace: The area where designs are created.
Toolbox: Contains various tools for drawing, editing, and manipulating objects.
Property Bar: Displays options related to the currently selected tool or object.
Colour Palette: Used to apply colours to objects.

Basic CorelDraw Tools and Their Uses

Understanding fundamental tools is essential for creating designs:

Pick Tool: Used to select, move, rotate, and scale objects.
Rectangle Tool: Draws square and rectangular shapes.
Ellipse Tool: Draws circular and oval shapes.
Text Tool: Used to add and format text.
Fill Tool: Applies colour fills to closed objects.
Outline Tool: Adjusts the thickness and colour of object outlines.

Steps to Create a Simple Design (Poster/Label)

Follow these steps to create a basic graphic design:

Open CorelDraw: Launch the CorelDraw application and create a new document.
Draw Shapes: Use the Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, or other shape tools to create the basic layout.
Apply Colour: Select a shape and click on a colour in the Colour Palette to fill it. Use the Outline Tool to adjust borders.
Add Text: Select the Text Tool, click on the workspace, and type your desired text. Use the Property Bar to change font, size, and colour.
Arrange Objects: Use the Pick Tool to move, resize, and rotate shapes and text to achieve your desired composition. Use ‘Order’ commands (e.g., To Front, To Back) to layer objects.
Save Your Work: Go to File > Save As, choose a location, give your design a name (e.g., “My_Poster.cdr”), and click Save.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reminds them of previous lessons on visual art principles. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils about examples of graphic designs they see daily (e.g., on product labels, billboards).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share examples of graphic designs.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the lesson to real-world applications of graphic design.

Step 2: Explanation of CorelDraw Interface

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the CorelDraw interface on a projector or guides pupils to open CorelDraw on their computers. The teacher points out and briefly explains the main components like the workspace, toolbox, property bar, and colour palette.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the interface on the screen or their computers and listen to the explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the CorelDraw working environment.

Step 3: Demonstration of Basic Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to use the Pick Tool, Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, Text Tool, and Fill Tool by creating a simple arrangement of shapes and text. The teacher emphasizes selecting tools and applying basic actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully watch the teacher’s demonstration, paying attention to the steps and tool functions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the basic functionalities of essential CorelDraw tools.

Step 4: Guided Practice – Drawing Shapes and Applying Colour

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to practice drawing various shapes (rectangles, circles) and applying different colours to them using the Fill Tool. The teacher moves around to provide individual assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils open CorelDraw and practice drawing shapes and applying colours as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils develop hands-on skill in creating and colouring basic geometric shapes.

Step 5: Guided Practice – Adding and Arranging Text

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils on how to use the Text Tool to add text to their designs. The teacher also shows them how to change font, size, and colour, and how to arrange text alongside shapes using the Pick Tool.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice adding text, formatting it, and arranging it with the shapes they have drawn.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to incorporate and manipulate text effectively in their designs.

Step 6: Creating a Simple Design

Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher challenges pupils to create a simple poster or label design (e.g., for a school event, a product label) using the tools and techniques demonstrated. The teacher provides support and feedback as pupils work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils independently or in pairs create their simple graphic designs, applying the skills learned.
Learning Point: Pupils apply learned skills to produce a complete design.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention two basic tools found in the CorelDraw toolbox.
How do you apply colour to a shape in CorelDraw?
State two steps involved in creating a new graphic design document.
Why is it important to save your work frequently in graphic design software?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points about practical graphic design using CorelDraw and encourages pupils to continue practicing. The teacher assigns homework, which may include refining their designs or creating another simple design.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to practice further.

Lesson Keywords

CorelDraw – A software used for creating vector graphics and designs.
Graphic Design – The art or skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books.
Toolbox – A section in CorelDraw containing various tools for drawing and editing.
Workspace – The main area in CorelDraw where designs are created.
Poster – A large printed picture, photograph, or notice, put on a wall or billboard as a decoration or for advertising.
Label – A small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or metal attached to an object and giving information about it.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more complex design challenges or introduce additional tools like the Pen Tool or Bezier Tool. For those who need more support, the teacher will offer one-on-one guidance and simpler, step-by-step tasks, ensuring they master basic operations before moving on.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that all computer systems are functional and have CorelDraw installed before the lesson. Practical lessons require adequate supervision and individual attention. Encourage pupils to explore the software beyond the basic tools demonstrated.