Teaching and Learning Electronic Arts Students at South Burlington High School have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of electronic arts and video production courses. Electronic Arts is offered at three levels -- I, II, and III. In Electronic Arts I, students must learn and demonstrate use of 2D and 3D graphics programs, develop no less than ten graphics projects, present no less than five major projects for an audience of peers, work as a teaching aid for elementary school visitors, and participate in at least one public presentation of graphics work. Students are expected to come to class "computer literate." As an outcome of the course, students will not only strengthen their skills in basic operations, but have the opportunity to learn the Unix operating system. Software available for student projects include: Language Arts skills in writing include completing a script for final graphics project, presentation outlines and notes for public speaking engagements, writing "voice-overs" for videos of graphics work, and writing a business letter or resume. Public speaking skills include five public speaking presentations, one of which must be a presentation about a "unique application feature" that is taught to the entire class. Students are also required to reading articles about the software they use, research at least one article concerning an animation skill, and optionally read computer manual tutorials to learn more about selected software applications. The Imaging Lab keeps an online gallery of students projects created from these classes. Click on the image below to view some sample products created by SBHS students.
(Click on image above to view student work from Electronic Arts.) Video Production Video production is a semester-long course that is premised on the belief that video is the "new literacy." Students must complete three critical assignments: research, write, and produce a 30-second television commercial with an anti-drug theme; conduct a video research project which includes a presentation to an audience of peers, and create a major documentary about a controversial issue in the community. Additionally, students are expected to crate a short animation using computer graphics software. The course also includes presentation and discussion of classic American films and requires public presentations of completed projects. Advertising Tim's Advertising course is another semester course premised on the belief that "authentic world experiences are fundamental to student learning." This course is offered in conjunction with local area businesses. Writing and production of an ad campaign is done with a business. The goals of the course are to: study in depth the area of propaganda, and to produce materials in cooperation with business that will be used by local media. Skills taught in this class include:
Guiding Learning From the Side Tim has learned that he doesn't have to be the expert in all areas to be an effective teacher. He has come to recognize the power of enabling students to take control of their learning and to use their own knowledge to teach each other. Tim jokes that his students think he doesn't know anything because he's always turning to them to find solutions and creative ways to overcome obstacles. But Tim knows that he has directed their efforts by promoting their work and publications and being sure that the Imaging Lab has had the support it needs to exist and thrive.
Tim Comolli - A Guide on the Side Grounding Learning in Reality Tim's courses reflect his belief that good teaching is grounded in authentic, hands-on learning opportunities. To succeed in these courses, students must be actively engaged, research their topics thoroughly, and share their work and experiences with a larger community. The enthusiasm and products created from these experiences are the best proof that when students are given challenging, real-world problems to solve, they not only rise to the occasion, they make really great things happen. |
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