Confidence. Teamwork. Self-expression. Exploration.
The multimedia classes at Miriam Academy allow for all of this, and so much more. As students gather in the studio, some sit down at the computers, while others power on the video cameras. The room, filled with state-of-the-art video and editing equipment provided by a grant from the Innovative Technology Education Fund, allows for a creative outlet that many have never experienced before.
“Students come in with ideas, and I just help make it happen,” says teacher Greg Kellerman. “They bring out their creativity, and it’s fantastic.” These are relatively unstructured classes, so students can explore and develop skills based on their interests.
For instance, Remy has discovered through working with Photoshop that she hadn’t given herself enough credit for her artistic abilities. She draws on a digital drawing pad and then works with the images in Photoshop. Currently, Remy is working on a series of stills.
Adam, on the other hand, enjoys the filming and editing side. He has been interested in working in the multimedia studio since he started at Miriam Academy almost two years ago and is very happy to be in the class this year. He works on the newscasts. “I really like working on this with my friends,” Adam says.
Mr. Kellerman says, “In all of the classes I teach, this is where I see some of the most growth, the most personality, the most getting outside of their comfort zone.”