January 2025 Story/Project ideas
January is often the hardest month of the year for those that are doing broadcasts. The expectation of good content was set in the fall and now the community expects you to hit the ground running. They don’t know that you have a new batch of students or that your students wrapped up their brain and gave it away during the holidays. Use the chart below to kickstart your storytellers. I’m going to give you a couple of weeks to get the students up to speed and give some production time…
Top 5 Technologies To Watch In 2025
As I look ahead professionally, there are things that I know will impact you in the classroom. This list isn’t all inclusive and truthfully, as I started to compile this I struggled to trim it. I think our world is about to change greatly when it comes to video production. There are things to be excited about and some things to be aware of but for the most part, I think your role as a pathfinder for your students is going to become more important each month of 2025 as technology continues to grow.
Writing For Broadcast: Who Is Jerry?
Tom shares his presentation on writing for news by introducing “Jerry.” This presentation was toured throughout 2023-2024 in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Is Your Program The REcipe For Great French Toast?
In April, I went to Mobile Alabama for the first time. It had never been a destination for me (not a fan of heat or humidity). Honestly, it still isn’t a destination for me with the exception of educational events and a little experiment that I set forth in April.
A Free course for New and Continuing Video & Film Teachers
Are you a new teacher looking for curriculum help in a Video 1 classroom? Or perhaps you’re a continuing teacher looking for some free class resources or teaching ideas?
If you are either of these things, there is a new, free resource made just for you.
Feeling Comfortable in the Classroom
Comparison is the thief of joy. If you’re a new teacher, read that first sentence again. A friend said that over the summer while attending a professional development conference, and those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve only ever heard since stepping into the classroom that it takes three years for a teacher to “get comfortable” and if they can hang in there for that long, they’ll stay and thrive. But it’s taken me five to start to feel comfortable and I’m beginning to learn a valuable lesson. Let me explain.
The Live Work Policy in CTAE Classes
Having and knowing your district live work policy can open up opportunities for taking your learning outside of the video and film classroom. FREE document included to get you started.
POV: First Time At SkillsUSA NSLC
Caleb Bailey from Long County High School in Georgia shares his thoughts on his first year at the SkillsUSA National Conference.
Lights, camera, safety!
Keeping your class, cast, and crew safe are your utmost priority. This article has some common sense advice for staying safe in your video and film production classroom.
Rising tide rasies all ships: The Power of community within education
Last week I spent time with my AVTF (Audio, Video Technology and Film- it’s what Georgia has branded video production) family, at a pair of conferences. The conferences overlapped and honestly frustrated me because I couldn’t fully engage with either. I wanted to soak up the lessons shared from both. But… my heart was so full I teared up as I drove away from one of the conferences the last day.
The BIG 4: The FOUNDATION of FILM ANALYSIS in THE IB FILM CLASSROOM
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, wants to help your students walk the talk. How understanding the Big 4 (mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography, and sound design) can transform student analysis and filmmaking.
TWO KEY APPROACHES TO HELPING STUDENTS MASTER THE EXTENDED ESSAY IN IB FILM
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, has two key pieces of advice to help students navigate the 4,000 extended essay in IB film.
When the Gamble Pays Off: Why Teachers Need to Attend NAB
Josh was able to attend NAB this year, for the first time, and in this article, he tells you why you should plan on going next year.
THe META APPROACH to FILMMAKING: MAKING THE FILMMAKER the hero
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, looks at how approaching filmmaking as solving a problem can help kids understand the value of research and trial and error on the road to becoming better filmmakers.
And the oscar goes to…
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, discusses how incorporating an Academy Award style ceremony in class raises the bar for student films.
It is Time for a Change: How classroom layout impacts relationships
After a few years of running his class with a computer lab layout, Josh realized there was a problem. He had lost his connection with his students. In this article, we hear from Josh abut his rationale for mixing it up going into next year.
Hollyland Mars 4K: A Game-Changer for Live Streams
Josh tests the Hollyland Mars 4K in the harsh environment of Northcutt Stadium in Marietta, Georgia. With around 7,000 people and their devices, as well as tons of concrete, Josh was surprised at how well this device worked.
5 things to consider This Summer
Tom shares 5 things you should do this summer to make your 2024-2025 school year the best ever. ONLY 1 is work. The rest are investing in yourself.
How To Stay Sharp In A Dull World
Tom shares his experiences and thoughts on how to stay up to date on industry trends, how to keep your creativity, and where to find sources of inspiration during the school year.
Myth Busted: Hollyland Wireless Does Work When People Show Up!
Tom shares his experience with the Hollyland C1 as he tried to bust the myth about the device only working in the perfect scenarios.