Photo Composition, Typesetting, Word Processing and Output for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Graphic Reproduction
Previous Lesson: Image Production Project
Topic: PHOTO COMPOSITION
Subject Matter: Type setting/word processing; Output of photo composition

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define photo composition.
• Identify two types of programs used for typesetting in the print industry.
• Explain the layout of a computer keyboard.
• State the functions of at least five keys on a computer keyboard relevant to word processing.
• Describe the basic procedures for operating a photo composition machine.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of accuracy in typesetting and word processing.
• Show interest in learning about modern printing technologies.
• Participate actively in discussions about photo composition.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the correct posture for typing.
• Practise basic typing skills using a keyboard.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively with peers during group assignments on typesetting.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Printing Craft for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and computer (if available)
• Charts showing different typesetting software interfaces
• A standard computer keyboard (for demonstration)
• Handouts with keyboard layouts and key functions

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it introduces students to the digital foundation of modern printing, equipping them with essential knowledge of how text and images are prepared for reproduction. Understanding photo composition, typesetting, and word processing is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in the printing industry, as it underpins the quality and efficiency of printed materials. It provides a practical understanding of the initial stages of graphic reproduction.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of computer operations and the general concept of printing processes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PHOTO COMPOSITION

Introduction to Photo Composition

Photo composition, in the context of printing, refers to the process of assembling text and images into a final layout for reproduction. Historically, this involved photographic techniques, but today it primarily refers to digital layout and design using computer software. It is the stage where all elements of a print job are brought together and prepared for output.

Typesetting and Word Processing

Typesetting is the process of arranging type (text) for printing. Word processing refers to the creation, editing, formatting, and printing of text documents using computer software. In modern printing, these two concepts are closely related, as word processing software often serves as the initial tool for text entry, which is then refined using more specialised typesetting or desktop publishing (DTP) software.

Types of Programs for Typesetting/Word Processing

There are various software programs used in the print industry for typesetting and word processing. These can be broadly categorised:

1. Word Processors: These are primarily for text creation and basic formatting. Examples include:
   1. Microsoft Word
   2. Google Docs
   3. LibreOffice Writer
2. Desktop Publishing (DTP) Software: These are designed for advanced page layout, combining text and graphics for professional print production. Examples include:
   1. Adobe InDesign
   2. QuarkXPress
   3. Scribus (open-source)
3. Graphics Software with Text Capabilities: Some graphic design software also offers robust text handling features for integrating text into visual designs. Examples include:
   1. Adobe Illustrator
   2. CorelDRAW

Layout of the Keyboard and Functions of Each Key

The computer keyboard is the primary input device for text and commands in typesetting and word processing. Understanding its layout and key functions is essential.

A standard QWERTY keyboard layout includes several sections:

1. Alphanumeric Keys: These include letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and common symbols (!@#$%^&*). They are used for typing text and numbers.
2. Modifier Keys: These keys modify the function of other keys when pressed simultaneously. Examples include:
   1. Shift: Used to type uppercase letters and symbols shown on the upper part of a key.
   2. Ctrl (Control): Used in combination with other keys for shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste).
   3. Alt (Alternate): Also used for shortcuts and special characters.
   4. Fn (Function): Common on laptops, used to access secondary functions of F-keys or other keys.
3. Function Keys (F1-F12): These keys perform specific functions depending on the software being used (e.g., F1 for help, F5 for refresh).
4. Navigation Keys: Used for moving the cursor or scrolling through documents. Examples include:
   1. Arrow Keys: Move the cursor up, down, left, or right.
   2. Home: Moves the cursor to the beginning of a line.
   3. End: Moves the cursor to the end of a line.
   4. Page Up/Page Down: Scrolls the document up or down one page at a time.
5. Editing Keys: Used for modifying text. Examples include:
   1. Delete: Deletes characters to the right of the cursor.
   2. Backspace: Deletes characters to the left of the cursor.
   3. Insert: Toggles between insert mode (inserts new text) and overtype mode (replaces existing text).
6. Special Keys:
   1. Enter/Return: Confirms input, starts a new paragraph, or executes a command.
   2. Spacebar: Inserts a space between characters or words.
   3. Tab: Moves the cursor to the next tab stop or indents text.
   4. Caps Lock: Toggles between typing in all uppercase or all lowercase.
   5. Esc (Escape): Cancels an operation or closes a menu.
7. Numeric Keypad: A separate section with numbers and arithmetic operators, useful for data entry.

Output of Photo Composition

After text and images are composed and laid out digitally, the final step is to output the composition for printing. This involves preparing the digital file in a format suitable for the printing device.

Basic Procedures for Operating the Photo Composition Machine (Output Device)

Modern “photo composition machines” are typically high-resolution output devices such as imagesetters or platesetters, which convert digital files into film negatives or printing plates. The general procedures involve:

1. File Preparation:
   1. Ensure the digital layout file (e.g., PDF, PostScript) is complete, error-free, and correctly formatted for the intended output device.
   2. Check for correct fonts, image resolutions, colour profiles (CMYK for print), and bleed settings.
2. Raster Image Processor (RIP) Processing:
   1. The digital file is sent to a RIP, which converts the vector and text data into a high-resolution bitmap image (raster data).
   2. This process separates the colours into individual plates (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).
3. Output Device Setup:
   1. Load the appropriate media (film, printing plate, or paper) into the imagesetter or platesetter.
   2. Calibrate the machine for correct exposure and resolution settings.
4. Exposure/Imaging:
   1. The RIP-processed data is used to expose the photosensitive material (film or plate) with a laser or LED light source.
   2. This creates the image of the layout on the media.
5. Processing (for film/traditional plates):
   1. Exposed film or plates are chemically processed (developed, fixed, washed) to make the image permanent.
   2. For computer-to-plate (CTP) systems, some plates are thermal or violet sensitive and may require less or no chemical processing.
6. Quality Control:
   1. Inspect the output (film or plate) for any defects, scratches, or errors in registration or content.
   2. Measure density and dot gain to ensure consistency and quality.
7. Proofing:
   1. Often, a proof (a sample print) is made from the output to verify accuracy before mass production.

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: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “composition” in general terms. The teacher then relates this to composing text and images for printing, introducing the topic of photo composition.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Concept of composition

Step 2: Typesetting and Word Processing Programs

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses two main types of programs used for typesetting and word processing in the print industry: general word processors (e.g., MS Word) and specialised desktop publishing (DTP) software (e.g., Adobe InDesign). The teacher explains their primary uses and differences.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and identify examples of word processing and DTP software.

Learning Point: Types of typesetting software

Step 3: Keyboard Layout Explanation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a physical keyboard or a chart to explain the layout of a standard computer keyboard, pointing out the different sections (alphanumeric, numeric keypad, function keys, navigation keys, modifier keys).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the keyboard layout and identify the different sections as explained by the teacher.

Learning Point: Keyboard layout identification

Step 4: Functions of Keyboard Keys

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the functions of specific keys relevant to word processing and typesetting, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Enter, Backspace, Delete, Tab, and the arrow keys. The teacher asks students to recall functions of keys they already know.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanations, answer questions about key functions, and take notes.

Learning Point: Keyboard key functions

Step 5: Introduction to Photo Composition Output

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of “output of photo composition,” explaining that after the digital layout is complete, it needs to be prepared for actual printing using specialised machines.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the transition from digital layout to physical output.

Learning Point: Output concept introduction

Step 6: Procedures for Operating Output Machines

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the basic procedures for operating a photo composition output machine (e.g., imagesetter or platesetter), covering file preparation, RIP processing, media loading, exposure, and quality control. The teacher encourages students to ask questions about the process.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the procedures, ask clarifying questions, and discuss the steps involved.

Learning Point: Output machine procedures

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. What is photo composition?
2. Mention two types of programs used for typesetting.
3. Name three different sections of a computer keyboard.
4. State the function of the “Shift” key and the “Enter” key.
5. Describe one basic procedure for outputting a photo composition.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding photo composition basics

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 photo composition, typesetting programs, keyboard functions, and output procedures into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of photo composition, typesetting, and understanding output processes in the printing industry. The teacher encourages students to practise typing skills at home if they have access to a computer.

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

Learning Point: Lesson concept consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions and, if possible, practise identifying keys on a keyboard.

1. List and briefly explain two types of software used for typesetting.
2. Draw a simple diagram of a computer keyboard and label five important keys.
3. Explain in your own words why quality control is important during the output of photo composition.
4. Research and write a short paragraph on the difference between an imagesetter and a platesetter.

Lesson Keywords

• Photo Composition – The process of assembling text and images into a final layout for printing.
• Typesetting – The arrangement of type (text) for printing.
• Word Processing – Creating, editing, formatting, and printing text documents using software.
• Keyboard Layout – The arrangement of keys on a computer keyboard.
• Output Device – A machine that converts digital files into physical media for printing (e.g., imagesetter, platesetter).
• Desktop Publishing (DTP) – Software used for advanced page layout and design for print.
• RIP (Raster Image Processor) – Software or hardware that converts digital files into high-resolution bitmaps for output.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research specific advanced features of DTP software or different types of printing plates. For students needing additional support, provide simplified diagrams of the keyboard and a checklist of key functions to aid memorisation. Pair work during keyboard layout discussion can also help peer learning.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “photo composition printing craft SS3”
YouTube search for “typesetting word processing explained”