Lighting, camera angles and the overlaying of soundtracks were just some of the techniques and ‘how tos’ imparted to staff of Blomfield Special School and Resource Centre involved in Project DISE, in a one day workshop run by education ICT and professional development supplier, Edtech.
Auckland-based Edtech account manager, Janine Young said the day was held at the school in Whangarei and was “lots of fun with lots of hands on learning” that aimed to get the eight participants familiar with the digital equipment to help them make better videos.
Project DISE is using digital video technologies to create videos to assist students’ socialisation and desensitisation processes, and digital diaries to track their progress as they develop skills and abilities during their time at the school.
Leading the workshop was Mark Grimes, Edtech’s marketing manager who is described by Janine as a ‘guru’ of all things related to digital imaging equipment. As well as practical filming techniques, Mark showed the group how to make the most of their video editing software, Adobe Premier Elements, and included sessions on developing storyboards, and using general editing and voiceovers.
Although Edtech is a DigiOps technology partner, it is not partnered to Project DISE. Regardless, HP’s Philanthropy and Education Manager, Melissa Fincham, asked Janine if Edtech would like to become involved with the HP-partnered project.
“I knew we couldn’t provide a server so I thought the staff would appreciate a day of professional development,” says Janine.
ICT teacher and training day participant, Brian Baynham described the training day as an invaluable opportunity for all staff to acquire new knowledge and skills with the cameras and software.
“We’re all feeling so much happier now about using the equipment. We were all at different levels but we trained together and we shared our knowledge,” says Brian.
For Janine and Mark the pleasure was all theirs as they found the Blomfield Special School staff willing and enthusiastic.
“The project is on top of their regular work and they were just so excited about what they’d learnt. It was so refreshing to teach such dedicated people,” says Janine.
At this stage, there are no plans to hold another workshop and Brian says the school will rely on in-house training with those who attended the workshop training others.
HP recently donated extra equipment to Project DISE, doubling the number of staff and students who can participate in the three-year project.
