Media Productions Syllabus

Course Title: Media Productions

Instructor: Adam Larsen

Room: 705

School Phone: 623-432-2213

School e-mail: Adam.Larsen@dvusd.org                                                                       

Course Description:

MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Students will be introduced to audio/visual and multimedia technology. This hands‐on course will work in a digital media computer lab

to capture, create and edit video to be used in multimedia projects. Students use script writing, lighting techniques and sound editing

to create projects that are used for film, television and internet.

Student Organization: Skills USA

GRADE: 9‐12 LENGTH: Year

CREDIT: 1

Course Goals & Objectives:

Students will learn to work and perform in a business environment that includes, client feedback, deadlines, risk taking and rewards.  Students will learn to meet deadlines, work in teams, and be responsible for their work.  Students will work in a digital environment that includes a daily blog and email.  Students will learn to respond to challenges in a positive manner.   

Course Materials:

One 8GB (at least,) portable hard-drive or “flash” drive is suggested to back up important assignments. 

Classroom/Course Expectations:

·        Students are expected to fill out the blog post for the day in the first five minutes of class. 

·        Students should stay on task.  10 participation points are removed for every infraction.  Students may earn back the points by staying on task for 5 days in a row.  

·        Electronic Devices:  Many students want to have the privilege of carrying electronic devices on campus. With that privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring that those items are not used on campus during class or on a bus. If students are found listening to music or texting in class or otherwise not fully engaged in learning, the device will be confiscated up to 24 hours.  Misuse of electronic devices may result in disciplinary procedures in addition to the confiscation of the device.

Grading:

In this course grades reflect your ability to learn.  My assessment of your ability to learn is based on these areas:

Skill development – Daily lessons. Students are expected to participate in developing their skills on a daily basis.  When work on other assignments is complete IT IS EXPECTED that students will review their skills and improve on past projects.    

Skill application – Projects give the student an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise by applying what they learned in the daily lessons.  Grading for projects is rigorous and follows the Grading Scale below. 

Skills in the workplace – Examples of workplace skills include being on time, staying on task, following directions, and communicating.

Work Ethic – This is the most important part of your assessment.  IT IS EXPECTED that students will work hard to improve their skills and develop an eye for what a consumer wants to see, hear, and experience.  Most students do not submit work that a consumer would buy on their first attempt even when they have completed the assignment and demonstrated an understanding of the skills. 

IT IS EXPECTED that students who want an “A” or “B” in the class will practice their skills and improve on their work until it is ready to “sell”.

Conversations with the teacher and other students are a very important part of the learning and teaching process.  Because the multimedia field is very subjective it’s important that the student learn to gather information about how their projects “look” to others.   

MY PHILOSOPHY ON LEARNING

Real learning is a process.  It takes practice, success, failure, and more practice.  Students often tie their personal well being, and success in the future, to their grades.  Research has shown this to be a dangerous mindset.  It is an objective of the class to help students correctly manage their learning.  Activities in class will be structured to give student a variety of experiences including

·        Self-directed learning

·        Dealing with success

·        Dealing with failure

·        Learning how to practice correct skills and techniques.        

During these experiences:

·        Parents should not be concerned if their student receives a low grade.   Using the process outlined in the “Grading” section of this syllabus, parents can help their student follow the steps to learning that will help them raise their grade. 

·        Parents should be aware that the process takes time.  There’s no quick fix to a bad grade.  The grade will improve as the skill is learned and then demonstrated.  I don’t give out “extra credit” in the traditional sense but I always consider extra work. 

·        Students should not become discouraged.  It is a part of the objectives of the class to teach students how to deal with the disappointment of failure and to be prepared for rigorous work environments, college classrooms or life.  Every student will have the opportunity to succeed.   

IT IS EXPECTED that the student will succeed in learning the material presented in class.   I am committed to supporting the students as they go through the process. 

Grading Scale

A            90-100% Outstanding performance and demonstration of understanding and application (top selling item)

B             80-89%   Above average performance and demonstration of understanding and application (someone might buy it)

C             70-79%   Completion of assignments and following all directions (not ready to put on the shelf)

D            60-69%   Completion of assignments but poor performance on assignments

F             0-59%     Non-compliance, Failure to follow instructions

Final course grades are computed as 80% equaling the coursework done throughout the semester and 20% equaling the final exam (project) portion of the grade.

Test Retakes

All assignments and tests may be redone after consulting with Mr. Larsen.  Students must email Mr. Larsen to make him aware of the update and post a learning reflection on their blog.    

This retake policy does not apply to District or teacher created semester exams.

Attendance:

Because we use specialized programs, attendance is very important.  If a student is absent he should meet with Mr. Larsen immediately to be assigned a tutor for the missing assignment. 

Make-up Policy:

Students who have an absence which is excused have one day for each day absent to turn in missed work.  Students who are marked unexcused will not receive credit for worked missed but will still receive feedback.  See the student handbook for more information regarding excused and unexcused absences.

The course is rewarding and will be a great experience.  Good Luck.

Course Major Projects and Activities

Skills Assessments

·        Camera Use and Video Techniques

·        Photoshop

·        Premiere

·        After Effects

·        Encore

·        Computer Troubleshooting

·        And much more (Tricaster, interviewing, etc.)

Week Video Journal w/ipod or video camera

Weekly Blog Update

Weekly TED Talk Video Report

Weekly Tutorial Review and Project Completion

Skills USA Activity Participation (2 Activities)

Self-Directed Assignment (1 per Semester)

Sport/Activity Highlight Film (2 Activities)

Broadcast

·        In front of camera

·        Tricaster

·        Teamwork

News Report

Short Film (2 minutes)

Learning Reflections (on the blog after updating an assignment)

The Monthly Calendar

Students may review the due dates and assignments on the posted monthly calendar.  Students are responsible for reviewing the calendar as often as needed to assure success in keeping up to date.  Changes will occur based on the need of the students but will be announced to the class.  Absent students should check for missed work on the monthly calendar.    

EXAMPLE of MONTHLY CALENDAR

AUGUST

11 Introductions	12 What to Expect Intro into the Adobe Programs PRE-PRE-TEST	13 Syllabus and Explanations of assignments and Projects	14 PHOTOSHOP PRE-TEST	15 Introduction to TED and Ken Robinson Independent thinking
18 Blog Setup	19 Skills USA Elections Customize your blog	20 Photoshop Skills Learning Calendar of work Setup	21 Photoshop Skill Review and Assessment Photoshop Learning	22 Photoshop Skills Learning Post “Hand and Faces to blog.  Blog Update DUE TED Talk DUE Video Journal DUE 2nd Period Handbook Quiz
25 Photoshop Skills Learning “Create your own Poster” Using Text in Photoshop	26 Photoshop Project “Create your own Poster (Mr. Larsen out of school)	27 Photoshop Review and Quiz	28 Guest Speaker Ester Arakeel Avalon School of Cosmetology SKILLSUSA MEETING	29 Blog Update DUE TED Talk DUE Photoshop Tutorial Due Video Journal DUE Create Your Own Poster DUE