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      Manipulating digital images

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use graphics software to edit and manipulate digital images.

      Key learning points

      1. Basic image editing with software can be combined to solve complex problems requiring image manipulation.
      2. Digital manipulation provides creative benefits but also ethical drawbacks.

      Keywords

      • Scale - changing the width and height of the image in pixels

      • Prompt - the text description you give to the AI tool to tell it what kind of image you want it to create

      • Filter - a tool or effect that can be applied to an image to change its appearance

      Common misconception

      Generative AI always has a negative affect on society.

      Generative AI isn't always negative; it depends on its use. Generative AI tools can help artists, educators and scientists create innovative designs, engaging learning materials and advanced simulations.

      Teacher tip

      Show both positive and negative uses of AI. Discuss its benefits, risks and ethical concerns to help students develop critical thinking and a balanced perspective on AI.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device that has graphic editing software. Examples in this lesson use GIMP https://oak.link/gimp

      File needed for this lesson

      owl 1.94 MB (JPG)

      Download this file to use in the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the smallest unit of a bitmap image?

      Correct Answer: pixel

      Q2.
      What system is used to create colours by combining three colours of light?

      Correct Answer: RGB

      Q3.
      What happens when you increase the resolution of an image?

      the image becomes smaller
      the image quality decreases
      Correct answer: the file size increases
      the colour depth decreases

      Q4.
      What does 'bit' stand for in computing?

      binary information transfer
      basic interactive tool
      bitrate
      Correct answer: binary digit

      Q5.
      What does colour depth determine in a digital image?

      the physical size of the image
      Correct answer: the range of colours that can be displayed
      the number of pixels in the image
      the file format of the image

      Q6.
      What aspect of a digital image increases when you enhance its resolution or colour depth?

      Correct Answer: file size

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the term with its definition:

      Correct Answer:scale,the width and height of an image
      Correct Answer:filter,a tool to change an image's appearance
      Correct Answer:prompt,text description for AI image generation

      Q2.
      What does the zoom function allow you to do?

      change the colour depth
      adjust the file size
      modify the image's resolution
      Correct answer: view the image at different magnifications

      Q3.
      What does changing the colour depth from 256 colours to 16 colours do?

      Correct answer: reduces the number of colours that can be used
      increases the range of colours that can be used
      changes the image's resolution
      alters the image's file format

      Q4.
      What is the name of the text you type into an AI tool to generate an image?

      Correct Answer: prompt, a prompt

      Q5.
      How can generative AI be beneficial in education?

      by replacing teachers
      Correct answer: by creating engaging learning materials
      by reducing class sizes
      by eliminating homework

      Q6.
      Why is it important to consider ethics in digital manipulation?

      it ensures faster processing
      it reduces costs
      Correct answer: it prevents misuse and harm
      it increases file size

      To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Manipulating digital images, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...