Digital Photography Input Devices for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Photography
Topic: Digital Photography Input Devices
Subject Matter: Digital photography input devices: scanner, digital camera, compact disc and flash drive
Previous Lesson: Darkroom Printing Practical

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify different digital photography input devices.
• Describe the function of a scanner in digital photography.
• Explain how a digital camera captures and stores images.
• State the role of compact discs (CDs) and flash drives as input devices for digital images.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of various input devices in digital photography workflow.
• Recognise the convenience and efficiency of digital image transfer using modern storage devices.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate how to connect a flash drive to a computer.
• Operate a computer to upload digital images from a flash drive or compact disc.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
• A suitable Photography textbook for SS 3

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A functional computer system
• A digital camera
• A scanner
• Compact discs (CDs) with images
• Flash drives with images
• Projector (if available) for demonstration
• Charts or diagrams illustrating input devices

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it introduces students to the fundamental tools used to get digital images into a computer for editing, storage, and sharing. Understanding these input devices is crucial for anyone working with digital photography, enabling them to efficiently manage their photographic workflow. It supports practical experience by allowing students to interact with common digital photography equipment.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what digital photography is and some general knowledge of computer components and their basic functions.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Digital Photography Input Devices

Digital photography relies on various input devices to capture, transfer, and store images. These devices allow photographic data to be entered into a computer system for further processing.

Scanner

A scanner is an input device that converts physical documents, photographs, or objects into digital images. In digital photography, scanners are primarily used for:

1. Digitising old film negatives or printed photographs to preserve them digitally.
2. Converting physical artwork or documents into digital files for use in graphic design or archival purposes.

The scanner works by illuminating the object and capturing the reflected light using a sensor, which then translates the light patterns into digital data (pixels).

Digital Camera

A digital camera is the primary input device for capturing new digital photographs. Unlike traditional film cameras, digital cameras record images directly as digital data onto a memory card.

1. Image Capture: Light passes through the lens and hits an image sensor (CCD or CMOS) which converts the light into electrical signals.
2. Digital Conversion: These electrical signals are then converted into digital data by an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
3. Storage: The digital image data is processed and stored on an internal memory card (e.g., SD card, CompactFlash) within the camera.
4. Transfer: Images can be transferred from the camera’s memory card to a computer either directly via a USB cable or by removing the memory card and inserting it into a card reader connected to the computer.

Compact Disc (CD)

A Compact Disc (CD) is an optical storage medium that can be used as an input device when data, such as digital images, is read from it by a computer’s CD-ROM drive. While less common for direct camera output today, CDs were widely used for:

1. Storing and archiving digital photographs.
2. Transferring image files between computers or to clients.

To use a CD as an input device, the disc is inserted into a computer’s optical drive, and the computer reads the digital image files stored on it.

Flash Drive

A flash drive, also known as a USB drive or thumb drive, is a portable data storage device that uses flash memory. It is a very common and convenient input device for digital photography due to its portability and ease of use.

1. Storage: Digital images can be copied from a computer, a digital camera (if it has a USB port that supports direct transfer), or a memory card reader onto a flash drive.
2. Transfer: To input images from a flash drive to a computer, the flash drive is simply plugged into a USB port on the computer. The computer then recognises the drive as a removable storage device, allowing users to access and copy the image files onto the computer’s hard drive.

Flash drives are widely used for quick transfer of image files, backing up important photos, and carrying a portfolio of work.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they learned about digital photography in the previous lesson. The teacher then introduces the topic of digital photography input devices and explains that today’s lesson will focus on how images get into a computer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about the previous lesson and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Digital photography basics recalled

Step 2: Introduction to Scanners

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a scanner (or a clear image) and explains its function as an input device for converting physical images into digital format. The teacher demonstrates how a scanner works by scanning a printed photograph or document and showing the digital output on the projector.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the scanner and the demonstration, asking questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Scanner function and use

Step 3: Understanding the Digital Camera

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a digital camera and explains its role as the primary input device for capturing new digital images. The teacher describes how the camera captures light, converts it to digital data, and stores it on a memory card, highlighting how images are transferred to a computer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the digital camera and listen to the explanation of its operation and image transfer process.

Learning Point: Digital camera image capture

Step 4: Compact Discs as Input Devices

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a compact disc (CD) and explains its use as a storage and input device for digital images, particularly for older archives or transfers. The teacher explains that a computer’s CD-ROM drive reads the data from the disc.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the CD and understand its function in image transfer and storage.

Learning Point: CD role in image input

Step 5: Flash Drives as Input Devices

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Practical Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a flash drive and explains its popularity for transferring digital images. The teacher demonstrates how to plug a flash drive into a computer’s USB port and access the image files stored on it, showing how to copy them to the computer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration of connecting and accessing files from a flash drive, noting the steps involved.

Learning Point: Flash drive image transfer

Step 6: Uploading Digital Images

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students through the process of uploading digital images from a flash drive or a CD to a designated folder on the computer. The teacher ensures students understand the steps for safe removal of the device.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the guided practice, following instructions to upload images and safely remove devices.

Learning Point: Image uploading process

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name two input devices used in digital photography.
2. How does a scanner help in digital photography?
3. Describe one way a digital camera transfers images to a computer.
4. Explain how a flash drive acts as an input device for images.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Input devices understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on digital photography input devices into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board summary recording

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the lesson, reiterating the importance of scanners, digital cameras, compact discs, and flash drives as key input devices for managing digital images. The teacher encourages students to practice using these devices.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Digital input devices reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions and, if possible, practice the task at home or in the school computer lab.

1. Differentiate between a scanner and a digital camera in terms of their primary function in digital photography.
2. List three advantages of using a flash drive over a compact disc for transferring digital images.
3. (Practical Task) If you have access to a computer and a flash drive with images, practice connecting the flash drive and copying some images to a new folder on the computer.

Lesson Keywords

• Scanner – A device that converts physical documents or images into digital files.
• Digital Camera – An electronic device that captures and stores photographs digitally.
• Compact Disc (CD) – An optical disc used to store and retrieve digital data, including images.
• Flash Drive – A small, portable data storage device that uses flash memory, typically connected via USB.
• Input Device – Any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control it.
• Upload – The process of transferring data from a local system (like a flash drive or camera) to a larger system (like a computer or server).

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research other digital photography input devices like memory card readers or webcams. For students needing more support, provide step-by-step printed instructions for connecting and uploading images from a flash drive, and offer additional one-on-one guidance during practical activities.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search on YouTube for: digital photography input devices for students