Students in John Shafer’s art classes at Cuyahoga Heights High School can explore and develop their digital art skills, thanks to a new Adobe Photoshop Lab that was recently installed in his classroom. A new lab features six computers, all equipped with the full Adobe Creative Cloud software, ranging from Photoshop to Premiere Pro for video.
Helping to assemble the new lab were members of the Information Technology Department’s (IT) Mentorship Program. Eighth graders Louis Lamirand, Todd Long, and Tyler Schmidt completed the installation under the direction of IT Support Specialist Matt Hartman. In the past, the three students also have assisted the IT Department by using their study hall time to repair Chromebook computer screens and keyboards and replacing projector bulbs.
The new lab is expected to inspire creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for digital art. “I am excited to introduce Photoshop to our kids and make it a big part of our creative process moving forward,” said Shafer. “The lab itself is going to add a new element for my Photography II classes in the second semester.”
The lab was installed at no additional cost to the district. The computers, which were repurposed, are connected to the art room’s existing printer, and are equipped with software that was already available to the student body.
Caption: Students Tyler Schmidt (foreground), Louis Lamirand (middle), and Todd Long (background) install the new Photoshop Lab.