About the digital media program at cleveland
In 2009, the media program at Cleveland High School was born. We began with a media literacy course (Media and Society) and have grown into a Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) offering students a chance to explore their talents in photography, videography, graphic design, marketing and journalism, social media and website management.
The success of these classes - as with any community - hinges on students' willingness to be open, to create an inclusive environment where we explore ideas, criticize content but never people, and question existing paradigms. One of our primary goals is to develop the skills necessary for being an active, discerning consumer AND PRODUCER of media content. We are all familiar with the phrase ‘you are what you eat.’ I propose that ‘you are what you media.’
Scope and Sequence of Program for Photo/Video:
Foundations of Photography (semester class)
Foundations of Videography (semester class)
Digital Media Level Intermediate [level 3-4]
Digital Media Level Advanced [level 5-6]
Foundations of Photography: A semester-long elective open to 9th through 12th grade, we begin with visual literacy, techniques in composition and lighting. We will examine the different genres of photography and practice the art of making images rather than taking them. We will learn the basics of Adobe Lightroom. All students will create their own website (using a free hosting service) to begin their digital portfolio.
Foundations of Videography: A semester-long elective open to 9th through 12th grade, students practice the art of storytelling using video. They will learn the steps involved with pre-production, production, and post-production. Script writing, story boarding, and production management is part of this course. For editing, we will use iMovie to begin. Students proficient in iMovie can use the Adobe Premiere Pro software, though instruction in the advanced software begins in the Intermediate course.
All projects are housed on a personal website which students develop and manage throughout the class.
Intermediate (prerequisite intro to photography or intro to videography): Students continue building skills in photography and video and will add audio production to their portfolio of work. We will learn to use a digital DSLR camera in manual mode and practice post production editing. Video projects are expected to include works in several genres and demonstrate proficiency with post production. Sound projects include interviews, layering audio, and podcasting.
Functioning in a similar way to an inquiry course, students are expected to work independently with all of the self-management skills required to do so. One outcome of the course is to prepare a portfolio in preparation for a media career or to meet entrance requirements for institutions of higher education focusing on media arts. This class will also look for partnerships and internships with outside agencies for further real world experience.
Advanced (prerequisite Intermediate): This is a Capstone Class. By their third year, students are serious about their interest in one or two disciplines of digital media production. Functioning similarly to an independent study course, Level Three students are exploring their medium, researching professionals who inspire their craft, and building skills in media production. The student is proficient in project management. The instructor is acting as advisor and mentor, and with the help of the instructor, the student will access specific skill-building expertise either within Cleveland High School or in the professional community of Portland. Students will complete a ‘passion project’ each quarter, as well as submit work for an externally judged competition. Continuing their portfolio work from Levels One and Two, the student will prepare for a media career or to meet entrance requirements for institutions of higher education focusing on media arts.
The success of these classes - as with any community - hinges on students' willingness to be open, to create an inclusive environment where we explore ideas, criticize content but never people, and question existing paradigms. One of our primary goals is to develop the skills necessary for being an active, discerning consumer AND PRODUCER of media content. We are all familiar with the phrase ‘you are what you eat.’ I propose that ‘you are what you media.’
Scope and Sequence of Program for Photo/Video:
Foundations of Photography (semester class)
Foundations of Videography (semester class)
Digital Media Level Intermediate [level 3-4]
Digital Media Level Advanced [level 5-6]
Foundations of Photography: A semester-long elective open to 9th through 12th grade, we begin with visual literacy, techniques in composition and lighting. We will examine the different genres of photography and practice the art of making images rather than taking them. We will learn the basics of Adobe Lightroom. All students will create their own website (using a free hosting service) to begin their digital portfolio.
Foundations of Videography: A semester-long elective open to 9th through 12th grade, students practice the art of storytelling using video. They will learn the steps involved with pre-production, production, and post-production. Script writing, story boarding, and production management is part of this course. For editing, we will use iMovie to begin. Students proficient in iMovie can use the Adobe Premiere Pro software, though instruction in the advanced software begins in the Intermediate course.
All projects are housed on a personal website which students develop and manage throughout the class.
Intermediate (prerequisite intro to photography or intro to videography): Students continue building skills in photography and video and will add audio production to their portfolio of work. We will learn to use a digital DSLR camera in manual mode and practice post production editing. Video projects are expected to include works in several genres and demonstrate proficiency with post production. Sound projects include interviews, layering audio, and podcasting.
Functioning in a similar way to an inquiry course, students are expected to work independently with all of the self-management skills required to do so. One outcome of the course is to prepare a portfolio in preparation for a media career or to meet entrance requirements for institutions of higher education focusing on media arts. This class will also look for partnerships and internships with outside agencies for further real world experience.
Advanced (prerequisite Intermediate): This is a Capstone Class. By their third year, students are serious about their interest in one or two disciplines of digital media production. Functioning similarly to an independent study course, Level Three students are exploring their medium, researching professionals who inspire their craft, and building skills in media production. The student is proficient in project management. The instructor is acting as advisor and mentor, and with the help of the instructor, the student will access specific skill-building expertise either within Cleveland High School or in the professional community of Portland. Students will complete a ‘passion project’ each quarter, as well as submit work for an externally judged competition. Continuing their portfolio work from Levels One and Two, the student will prepare for a media career or to meet entrance requirements for institutions of higher education focusing on media arts.
