SME - “PHOA113: LIGHTING 1” - 2014-2015

In the early spring of 2014, I was asked to be one of the reviewers for “Lighting I”, which at the time was known as PH136. During this process, I was asked to review assignments, course material, and the required equipment list. At this time, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division was moving forward with the “Pinnacle Project” and “Lighting I” was going to be transformed into PHOA113.

The Pinnacle Project was a large undertaking; each course offered at the school was to be re-written to allow faculty members more interaction with the students (vs. classroom management) and offering students engaging projects that simulate the real workforce to justify their learning skills. Click “here” to download a Powerpoint Presentation to learn more about the start of the Pinnacle Project.

In the fall of 2014, my role changed in this review process and I was asked to rewrite the all of the assignments for PHOA113.  The task was to write directions for the assignments that gave clear instruction to the students and implemented the course competencies. At the beginning of each assignment, students were given a “Scene Scenario” that entailed the students (aka - the photographers) completing steps towards building a portfolio to enter into a show titled, “The Power of Light”. Images were then judged by the professor (aka the curator). To review all of the new assignments for this course, please click on the button below to download a PDF:

While working on the rewriting of the assignments, I worked closely with my supervisor, Doug Barkey, with the new Lighting Kit students would be required to order prior to taking the class. This kit included three VC-500LR Monolights with several accessories that would assist the students with completing the newly revised assignments. As the course changed, we updated our online course catalog and a helpful PDF for both the students and the Academic Counselors to refer to.

During the revision process, I submitted a number of “Content Alerts” for PH136 / PHOA113.  The changes I suggested within these content alerts helped to maintain the class and ensure that our students received clear and up to date information.

We launched the new assignments in 2015. Being an SME for this course allowed me to see my hard work “come to life” in the classroom and to see the vast improvements made by the students. On several occasions, students noted that they found the clear directions helpful in understanding the material. The simulation of “photographer and curator” also allowed students to think about each assignment in a new way; as an approach towards working in the real photography world.

Below is a screenshot from Week 4 Assignment 1; students were focusing on indoor and outdoor architecture photography: