Technology & Learning - December 2008 - (Page 10)

LEADEROFTHEYEAR A New Medium Well Done Athletes and “brainiacs” aside, Laura Barstow worried that in a district struggling against a 75% poverty rate, remaining students might not find their place to shine within the school setting. She hoped for students to see a future outside their troubled neighborhoods, to keep that graduation day in sight, and see value in the fight to attend college. Turning an old basement into a thriving media center opened up new avenues for students to excel. an athletic resume helps attract the interest of prospective colleges and coaches. Appreciation of the media students by the school population encour“My expectation for students ages an important sense of is that they become prepared to community. learn and open themselves up to Barstow understands new ways of thinking,” says the benefit of community TV/Video Production Barstow. “Students are required involvement. Teacher, Rochester City to learn iLife & OSX as well as “Partnerships with comSchool District (NY) camcorder basics and television munity organizations like studio controls. It’s a foundation that I’m The Little Theater and Hillside Children’s Center hoping to build, not master videographers enable students to gain early knowledge and and editors. I find that students will exceed experience with filmmaking and industry-stanexpectations if a solid foundation is laid.” dard software and equipment,” she says. Barstow’s students write news stories, Many of her students are award-winning documentaries, and public service announce- filmmakers. Shaniece McClaney won Best of ments as well as have the opportunity to Festival at the 2007 Urban Youth Film Festival produce, direct, and run studio equipment in a for her documentary, “Gang Violence and the simulated television environment. Access to Curfew.” Alan Young won Best Documentary the technology and encouragement to explore for his portrayal of Africans brought to the their creative side allows some students their United States on slave ships in “The Middle first chance to truly forge an identity and place Passage.” Markeith Logan was recognized for for themselves within the school walls. his outstanding achievement in the documenThe creation of a video yearbook not only tary “Foster Parenting” at the High Falls highlights the talents of Barstow’s students, but International Film Festival.” those of their fellow classmates in all aspects of “I grew up in an environment where learning school life. The same techniques used for the was essential to succeed,” says Barstow. “I yearbook translate to a peer-to-peer program. believe the experience students get in my classCaptured sports footage in DVD form added to room provides a way to look into the future.” What They Use STUDIO NewTek Tricaster Studio Panasonic WJ-MX70 (8) Input Video Switcher Mackie Audio Board/Mixer Porta Com Com-40FC8— 4 Station Wired Intercom System w/Beltpacks & Headsets Sony, Panasonic, and Canon camcorders Sony, Nikon, and Canon digital cameras Shure SLX124/85 Final Cut Pro 3 LAURA BARSTOW PROJECTION Hitachi XGA 1800 Lumens LCD Projector w/Portable Screen SONY DVD Player Panasonic TV and VCR Combo Perkins Grant TV VCR Seamless Screen Stands Red, Gray, White, and Light Blue Seamless Screens DVR-320 Pioneer DVD Recorder Lowell t/o 6097 kit with soft case ELMO DVD recorders COMPUTERS Dell Optiplex G4280 LAST BYTE: “SIMPLE TEAMWORK IS SOMETHING THAT ISN’T SO SIMPLE FOR MANY OF MY STUDENTS. SO ON TOP OF LEARNING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY, STUDENTS ARE LEARNING LIFE SKILLS.” 10 | TECH & LEARNING iMac Powerbook G-4-12 Super iBook G4-12” Combo Drive

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Technology & Learning - December 2008 Contents Leader of the Year Award Awards of Excellence Portraits of Learning

Technology & Learning - December 2008

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