What was the process for Graphic Arts to be approved for the Computer Science graduation requirement mandated by the Nebraska Legislature?
HEAD PRINCIPAL JEFF SPILKER: “The thing I appreciate about this credit is that we’re able to offer a variety of courses. So we may not be able to find the perfect course for the student, but hopefully they can find something that they’re interested in and that they enjoy and that they can learn and meet the requirement. … The thing with Graphics is, you have to take all the prereqs first, so it’s a pretty good chance you’re interested in that.”
What makes Graphic Arts different from other art classes?
GRAPHIC ARTS TEACHER KELLI KNOX: “I think the process is just kind of different. I mean, the artist process is always …brainstorming, gathering ideas, sketching. But then once you get on the computer and start creating, I think students are able to take more risks because you can always ‘command Z’ and undo or try something different than maybe you wouldn’t have before. You might be a little more brave with artistic styles or trying something that you wouldn’t be comfortable doing on a canvas or … with a Sharpie on paper. I think … being able to take more risks on the computer.”
What exactly did the Graphic Arts program receive through the Meta Data Center Community Action Grant for the 2025-26 school year?
KNOX: “The Meta grant allowed us to purchase 15 MacBook Air computers, a charging cart, and 15 Wacom Pen Tablets.”
What were the biggest challenges in teaching Graphic Arts before the new technology?
KNOX: “When we were [previously] working on the Chromebooks, we were using a browser called Horizon. Through Horizon, we were able to access Photoshop and Illustrator and the Adobe programs. I think the biggest challenge was the uploading and then downloading pictures, and importing and exporting projects. It was just very time consuming. And there were a lot of steps for students to remember for every unit. Students had issues with the Chromebook trackpads and using them as a drawing tool, so the new Wacom Pen Tablets have been an incredible improvement!”
What has the impact been on the students?
KNOX: “Just having the right technology to get the job done more efficiently, with better use of time; more focus is on the project rather than trying to get the technology to fit our curriculum. So I would say we’re able to keep our expectations high, because things just work more smoothly. I have seen more confidence from students in their process… especially during our Animation, Flat Landscape Illustration, and Altered Doodle Units. The upgrade … has provided students with a more professional experience.”
How do students use these computers throughout the class and what makes it so beneficial?
KNOX: “We use them every single day in Graphic Arts 1 and 2. They’re also available to students in Studio Art. … We use the Adobe programs. We use Google quite a bit for posting our projects. We create a website portfolio using the computers. Having access to the tablets and pens for the students who want to do more drawing … is really useful.”
What else would you like people to understand?
KNOX: “Having the right tool for the job has made the class that much better in preparing students for their futures. The students, I think, are happier. We’re not having issues like … in the past. We just come right in, start the computers up, and get right to work.”
