Well... maybe it’s taped and not actually live, but many of the students at Laning Avenue school are experiencing what it is like to be part of a video broadcast and other video productions. This project started in the 2016-2017 school year when Mr. Samples, a third grade teacher, and the principal, Mr. Freund were simultaneously coming up with proposals to complement the programming at Laning with multimedia technology.
Mr. Freund was interested in having the older students write their own news stories and report them in a taped news show aired weekly to all Laning classrooms. At the same time, Mr. Samples was beginning to work on a grant application to purchase video production equipment with the hopes of adding multimedia to the third grade Poetry Slam and some of the third grade Social Studies and Language Arts assignments. Knowing that Mr. Samples had a great deal of experience in media, Mr. Freund approached him about equipment suggestions. At that point they realized that they should combine their efforts and work on setting up a small “green screen” studio in one of the rooms that was free at times.
The idea was presented to the incredible Laning SCA and they quickly ordered all of the equipment. Through the generosity of the Laning SCA, the school was able to purchase a green screen, camera, lighting equipment, and a dedicated computer capable of working with large video files.
Laning is just getting started in utilizing multimedia to enhance student connections to content. Students enjoy and learn a great deal from the authentic experience of creating presentations and broadcasts. Students are encouraged and given the freedom to discover interests, express creativity, and possibly uncover a lifelong passion.
