Why Schools Should Introduce Photoshop in the Classroom

Can you imagine going back to a world with no technology?

From communicating with our friends, to scheduling appointments, to finding directions, the benefits of technology are endless.

Students especially have benefited from the integration of technology in the classroom.

In fact, according to a study conducted by the University of California Irvine, Medical students equipped with iPads scored 23 percent higher on national exams than students who were previously unequipped.

Another report from the Alliance for Excellent Education and the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE) found that when technology is implemented properly in the classroom, it can produce significant gains in student achievement and boost engagement.

But being digitally savvy isn’t just about doing well in school, it’s about doing well in life.

For students to remain competitive in future job markets, they must be able to excel in the digital world.

But with all the programs, apps, and devices out there, how do we know which ones are best for our students?

One program that should be introduced in every school is Photoshop.

There are many benefits to learning this program. Keep reading to find out why schools should introduce Photoshop in the classroom.

It is the Virtual Standard

A lot of design programs have come and gone over the years.

Photoshop, however, is here for the long haul. This is partly because Adobe has monopolized the marketplace. But also, Photoshop is really just a great product.

No other design program has the same robust capabilities as Photoshop. Quite simply, is the gold standard.

When you teach students Photoshop, you are equipping them with the capability to speak the same language as designers, agencies, and printers from around the world.

Builds Real World Experience

Photoshop isn’t just about fooling around with different design filters. Students can actually learn what it’s like to be a part of a real world business with the use of Photoshop.

For example, you can give your students an assignment in which they have to create the school’s sports teams’ logos and silk screen them onto apparel.

Using Photoshop, they can figure out different design schemes and texts for the logos. Then, they will need to use their business and entrepreneur skills to set the prices and sell the apparel.

Photoshop is a great resource to have when you are trying to mimic real world business experiences as closely as possible.

Student Engagement and Motivation

If you’re an educator, it’s almost a guarantee that at some point in your career, a student has asked you the following question: “When are we ever going to use this?”

If you’re teaching the life cycle of a cell, this question may seem valid.

Photoshop, on the other hand, is a skill that students know will be useful in the future. Therefore, they will be more much motivated to learn it.

Integrate it With Other Learning Materials

Like we said earlier, learning about a cell’s life cycle can potentially be a complete snooze fest to some students.

But what if you integrate Photoshop into the learning process? For example, you could have students create designs for each of the life cycles using their Photoshop skills. Then, they can create informative presentations around their designs.

Photoshop doesn’t just have to be for students who see graphic design in their future. It’s for all students, whether they attend online high school classes or in-person classes, in need of a more engaging way to learn.