Project Title: "Vector Portraits: An Exploration of Communication Technology and Digital Art"

Introduction: This project will explore the use of communication technology in creating vector portraits, a popular form of digital art. Students will learn about the history of vector art, the principles of design, and various techniques used to create vector portraits. Additionally, they will explore how artificial intelligence can be used to create images from real images.

Learning Goals:

Understand the principles of design and composition in digital art

Learn how to use vector graphics software to create portraits

Explore the history and evolution of vector art and its role in communication technology

Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the creative process

Understand the basics of how artificial intelligence can be used to create images from real images

Curriculum Connections:

A1. demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts, techniques, and skills required to produce a

range of communications media products or services;

A2. demonstrate an understanding of technical terminology, basic scientific concepts, and mathematical

concepts used in communications technology and apply them to the creation of media products;

B2. apply a design process or other problem-solving processes to meet a range of challenges in communications technology;

B3. create products or productions that demonstrate competence in the application of creative and technical skills.

C1. describe the impact of communications media technologies and activities on the environment and identify ways of reducing their harmful effects;

Curriculim Expectations:

A1.1 describe the elements of the universal communications model (e.g., message, sender, mode of transmission, receiver);

A1.2 demonstrate an understanding of design elements (e.g., line, form, colour, texture, space) and principles (e.g., balance, rhythm, proportion, contrast, flow);

A1.5 identify different types of communications software used to create communications technology products and services (e.g., software for photo, audio, and video editing, animation, page layout, web page creation, and computer graphics) and describe how they are used

B2.5 use charts or hand-drawn sketches to organize sequences, clarify relationships, or compare alternatives;

B2.6 evaluate possible solutions to identify those that most effectively meet the objectives and criteria within the existing constraints.

C2.2 describe the effects of recent changes in communications technology and applications on society and the economy (e.g., effects arising from the use of devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants [PDAs], and portable media players and from the emergence of computer-based social networks, user-generated web content such as wikis and blogs, and easy-to-download music file formats);

C2.3 identify emerging communications technologies and describe their potential impact on society and the economy;

C2.4 describe legal concepts and issues relating to communications technology and media production (e.g., copyright, privacy rights, consent);

C2.5 describe social and ethical issues relating to the use of communications technology (e.g., promotion of hatred, irresponsible use of the Internet, cyberbullying, cultural appropriation).

Project Requirements:

Computers with vector graphics software (such as Adobe Illustrator)

Digital drawing tablets

Access to online resources and tutorials for vector art

Strong understanding of color theory and composition in art

Understanding of how to manipulate digital images and layers

Access to a software platform that allows for the use of artificial intelligence for image creation (such as Runway ML)

Project Steps:

Introduction to vector graphics and digital art principles

Explore examples of vector portraits and analyze their design and composition

Learn and practice techniques for creating vector portraits, including selecting colors, creating shapes and outlines, and manipulating layers

Apply the techniques learned to create their own vector portraits

Introduction to artificial intelligence and its applications in image creation

Learn how to use a software platform (such as Runway ML) to create images from real images

Apply the techniques learned to create their own images using artificial intelligence

Reflect on the creative process and analyze their final work

Summative Task:

Students will create a final vector portrait and an image created using artificial intelligence that demonstrates mastery of the learning goals. The portrait should showcase their understanding of color theory, composition, and the use of vector graphics software, while the AI-generated image should demonstrate their understanding of the basics of using artificial intelligence for image creation. The final project will be presented to the class and evaluated based on creativity, design, and technical proficiency.