Students study multimedia and work on computers regularly at Balboa City School. In fact, we have so many computers we barely know where to put them. With two media labs; one for the lower school and one for the upper school, it is rare that a student doesn’t have the chance to get significant computer time.
Our class uses a teaching method called “Project Based Multimedia Learning”. Project based multimedia is defined as “A method of teaching in which students acquire new knowledge and skills in the course of designing, planning and producing a multimedia product.”
By multimedia, we mean the integration of media objects such as text, graphics, video, animation, and sound to represent and convey information. Student projects create TECHNOLOGY BASED PRESENTATIONS such as a computerized slide show, an animation or a short video. Not surprisingly, our ADD students are always on task in these type classes.
About The Teaching Method - Project based learning (PBL) is a model for classroom activity that shifts away from the classroom practices of short, isolated, teacher centered lessons and instead emphasizes learning activities that are long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered and integrated with real world issues and practices. This method of teaching is based on the results of the Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project that specifically focused on project based learning supported by multimedia.
To become proficient with using at least two of the various professional software programs, which students will see, again in the workplace and in college. Some of the available programs are Bryce 5.5, Poser 5, Painter, Photoshop, Maya, Garage Band, Comic Life and iMovie.
To express ideas professionally through the use of interactive media.
Vocabulary development, a hallmark of all BCS classes, is emphasized in all the planning and execution stages of our projects.
Teamwork, cooperation, leadership and flexibility are taught on a daily basis and students cooperate in small work groups to move toward common goals - the completion of a multimedia project. This is especially beneficial for students who are shy or awkward in other less structured social situations because they have something concrete that they can talk with others about.
To earn elective credit toward the a-g requirements at the University of California. If you are not aware of what this means please call and ask us.