Final

It's finals time. Students have learned a lot over the course of the semester.  Remember, very few students had even turned on these programs we are using so you are to be congratulated for working hard up to this point. 
Now it's time to show me what you can do. 

It is expected that students will complete a comprehensive final that will display their expertise, knowledge and creativity.  The final will take the form of a project that involves the student using cameras, downloading video, and using the programs they've learned to make a video. 

The video will be a weather report for my beginning classes.  For my advanced and intermediate classes, they will do the weather and the pledge of allegiance. 

Grades: I will refer you to the syllabus for the grade scale.  I want to remind you that you are working for a client (Mr. Larsen).  I've held a number of meetings with you where I've outlined what I want from you.  It's now up to you to sell me your product.  I will "grade" your project based on how well you capture the clients needs that then develop a product that meets those needs. 

I, as the client, am willing and eager to answer questions about what I want and what I think looks good.  I'll give you feedback as often as you ask. 
I, as the teacher, will work with you to accomplish the final.  If you put in the time and ask for help from myself and other students you should be able to produce a product that shows what you've learned throughout the course of the semester. 

What should be in the final? 
The possibilities are endless so rather than outline 10 things I want to see, I'm going to outline a few principles you should follow.
1. Have a plan.  Outline what you are going to do.  Have an idea of what your final cut will look like and then come up with a plan to execute it. 
2. Show as many different aspects of what you've learned as you can.  I've covered green screens, special effects, voice-overs, and a lot of other parts of video design.  Use as many as you can and make your project interesting. 
3.  Work.  Just work.  It takes time and effort to create a good project.  Without fail, the students that put in the most time, get the best grades. 
4.  Don't procrastinate.

Good Luck.