District computers update with Creative Cloud

Ryan Wang, Staff Writer • November 13, 2018

Students in technology classes use newer programs as the computers were updated to the newest version of Adobe Saturday Nov. 3.

After years using the Creative Suite 6 edition originally released in 2012, the district upgraded high school computers Nov. 5 to the newest version of Adobe’s design software, Creative Cloud.

Students in a variety of CTE classes use a wide range of Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. An upgrade from Adobe CS6, Creative Cloud opens new programs to students, allows for better storage and maintenance and allows students to use multiple applications simultaneously.

“We were experiencing numerous technical issues with CS6. Creative Cloud offer[ed] access to all Adobe products, cloud storage, and consistent updates,” said Mitci Allen, senior director of instructional technology. “We strive to offer the most recent versions of software for our students in the classroom. Students have a competitive advantage in the real world when they are proficient with the same technology that is used at the industry level.”

Prior to the upgrade, programs would crash, freeze, or not operate correctly as updated computers clashed with the outdated software.

“They [the administration] upgraded us to another version of IOS for Mac, and we really started seeing conflicts between this old CS6 program that was kind of patched up together,” animation teacher Ray Cooper said. “So [Myles] Perry and [Stacie] Wallace, they’re our tech people here at the high school, did a great job with trying to just go through and make it work.”

Students in animation and Digital Interactive Media [DIM] work to become certified in their respective programs. With the implementation of new Adobe programs, updated certification tests will be administered to incorporate the new functions and tools in programs such as Photoshop and Animate.

“So there are a lot of tools here that I’ve never even used before, so I’m going to get some additional training so I can implement a lot of the new features of Creative Cloud into my class,” DIM teacher Robert Lichtscheidl said. “Next week, we’re going to see if we can get a few kids certified in Creative Cloud for Photoshop.”

The Adobe features and programs sparked excitement from students as new options and possibilities were created due to the 21 new programs included in the package.

“It’s a lot more professional, and there’s a lot more flexibility with what you can do, especially with the integration of different components of Creative Cloud like connecting Audition or After Effects to Premiere,” broadcast staffer Sophia Heussner said. “You can definitely create more professional quality videos, and films, and photography then you ever could with Final Cut Pro.”

About the Contributors

Ryan Wang, Section Editor

They say third time’s the charm, but as senior Ryan Wang struggles to write his third (and last) staff bio, he feels anything but charming. Being crowned the new Arts & Entertainment editor for TRL, he’s spent the past few months perfecting his craft by watching an unhealthy amount of movies.. Having lost touch with reality, he’s gone back to his roots and doing what he does best: making sandwiches, walking his cat, and shouting loudly at the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV. Needless to say, he can’t wait to go back to school to see his friends, zone out in class, and go on boba-trips eight times a week. Aside from running his extremely legit “Magic Zappy Machine” business, Ryan is also involved in speech & debate, investing club, dishwashing, NHS, and of course, The Red Ledger. He’s looking forward to another great year on staff, where he’ll be looking to connect with new writers, producing great content, and most importantly, raiding the local snack cabinet.

Grace Nguyen, Section Editor

Fueled daily by three iced vanilla coffees, standing at 5’2”, Grace Nguyen will walk into the E103 door with no problem. Grace is entering senior year, and the only reason she is believed to have survived high school is because of the napping couch in the photography studio. During her time on staff, Grace has been to almost every football game, win or loss, and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Yes, Grace has been tackled by football players, run over by coaches, and body slammed by referees. Nonetheless, Grace will confidently walk on the field this year, bruises and all, alongside her sideline media team. Stepping outside the newsroom, which is rare, Grace enjoys playing softball, hanging out with family and friends, and finding excuses to go to every $3 Pazookie Tuesdays at BJ’s. After high school, Grace hopes to pursue a career in sports photojournalism, so watch out for her still getting run over by athletes on ESPN in the years to come. Although it’s bittersweet to leave newspaper upon graduation, Grace is thankful for all the opportunities that she’s had on staff. Through The Red Ledger, Grace created long-lasting friendships and won a lot of awards that she never imagined was possible. Grace hopes that current and future staffers will think of this national-award-winning publication the same way as she did–a second family and their home away from home.