Commentary--parents ask???

1. Is my child going to have fun?
   I hope so. In the learning center we try to challenge students but also to have them enjoy the learning.
2. How important is it to have my own camera?
   We're highly recommending that students have their own cameras because it gives them much more flexibility in scheduling and carrying out video assignments for class. We will, however, have cameras that may be borrowed by learning center students, but they are shared by everyone in the program.
3. When do I get to learn Final Cut Pro?
   We are hoping to move into Final Cut Pro editing stations for our entire program, but until we can get enough computers, the freshmen will be working with the Avio and the upperclassmen with FCP. Usually, interested freshmen do have an opportunity to learn FCP during their freshman year, but they are not always able to complete projects on FCP if the computers are in use for other projects.
4. Will they be expected to work on projects during Spring Break?
   Traditionally, Spring Break has been a true break for the students as it follows right after the History Day competition. This year, however, we have a new 9th grade teaching team, so we have not finalized our major project schedule as yet.
5. Will there be actiing in this program for video productions?
   Most of the student productions in the freshman year tend to be documentary, but there are a couple that will involve scripting and acting by the students.
6. Does my child get to go places besides the islands with this program? Will there be another out of state media trip this year?
   Last year we did take a group of students to the Student Television Network convention in Los Angeles. This year, however, the trip participants will come solely from our new Broadcast Journalism class, because the conference is one for students in that type of program.
7. Will my daughter be stressed out in this program? How much after school work will have to be done?
   Generally, students with good study habits don't get too stressed out. There is more of a demand for project and time management skills in this program, because it is project based. As far as after school time, it depends on the project schedule. Students have spent until about 6 pm finishing up projects on deadline days, but those are not every day.
8. How far in advance will we know about major projects?
   Usually, students will have several weeks notice when it is a major project. There will be rubrics that will describe the standards addressed as well as a clear process for the students and project teams to follow to help them complete the projects successfully.
9. If we need to provide our own equipment, do you have a list of recommended items?
   We would recommend a mini DV camera, which generally will come with accessories such as adapter and case. Another helpful item would be a mic as we have had problems with insufficient numbers of mics in that past.
10. How late can my daughter stay at school to finish or coplete her projects? Would I be able to see/watch her finished project?
    Last year, we were generally ending at about 4 each afternoon and that seemed to be sufficient time for the students. Once in a while we came in on weekends or stayed a bit later. History day, I think, was the exception amd we worked quite late just before the deadline. Students are welcomed to bring in a VHS tape and dub out their projects to take home and share with parents and family. We encourage this wider audience for the students' work.
11. What % of class projects is independent vs group?
    Although it's difficult to give an exact percentage because I sometimes revise the syllabus depending on the needs of the students, it looks as if the sophomore % is going to be roughly 60% individual and 40% group. I am going to give the students more freedom to chose individual vs group formats, however, so the percentage may also vary depending on the format the student selects.
12. How comprehensive and advanced is this class?
    Since we follow the standards, both for technology and the various subject areas, we hope that our MeneMAC program is both comprehensive and advanced.
13. Will we be given an outline of activities, assignments, due dates...like last year?
    A calendar went home with the sophomores on Friday and one will go out to the freshmen this Monday.
14. Do the students participate in any media competitions?
    We hope to participate in several, although we have not determined particular programs as of yet.
15. Do they still get regular English learning skills?
    Yes, we follow the content standards for English, along with those for technology and life skills.
16. Will they be given a chance to practice what was learned in the program on TV show/station?
    Some of our sophomores had their productions aired on Olelo last year. We are hoping to have that opportunity again this year.

Commentary--parents like...

• My child learning about technology.
• It's fun learning and they have friendly people.
• The integration of technology, media, and core subjects.
• The exposure to literary classics to help them express their own views on life.
• It helps my children learn how to use different types of technological devices and work with other people.
• That my daughter has a chance to build a web page and be more outspoken.
• It challenges my daughter and I feel she will learn a lot that other students don't get to learn through the program.
• Creative class assignments.
• My mom likes that it is advanced. It is good prep for a career in tech.
• The students learn and express their knowledge regarding the advanced technology in computer and videos.
• It is a great opportunity for me.
• That I will be doing something I enjoy.
• The fact that you tie 3 subjects into the Mene-MAC program.
• My parents like the way reading and writing will be taught using classical materials, yet with a modern twist.
• My daugher enjoys shooting and editing her work.
• High expectations that encourages creativity and initiative.
• Great teachers!
• The way it integrates media and language arts.
• They like that it is very educational.
• It teaches our children the importance of life skills (organization skills, time management, and creativity).
• She's always busy searcing and videotaping...keeeps her on the go.
• The media aspect.
• How you're not just learning a specific subject but also media.
• The student will learn and practice with the use of equipment, applicances, how to do her own video shoots, produce, and show it to the media.
• We get hands on experience with multimedia.