By Nathan White,
Student, Lewiston Regional Technical Center
Designed for students who are interested in a wide array of creative computer topics, Lewiston Regional Technical Center’s multimedia technology program is in its initial year of development.
In this program, students learn about filming while using professional-quality digital video cameras. In the process, they learn lighting, dabble with storyboards, conduct interviews and, most of all, learn the value of patience. This area of study, above all, takes patience and a desire to get out there and make projects happen.
Students also learn to use state-of-the-art computer software to assist them in all areas of the multimedia field: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Freehand, Sonic Foundry Acid Music, and Vegas Video, to name just a few.
Student projects this year have included creating a short documentary (planning the script, capturing video, editing video, producing storage medium, designing packaging), creating video clips for use on the Web, creating short movies, creating animated PowerPoint presentations, and creating a commercial ad using video and audio. Special guests speakers from Great Falls TV and New England School of Communications have visited the class.
Multimedia has been such a success this year because the program breaks from the norm. It is not your traditional class. “It’s great. The two-period classes really let you work on video without interruptions,” says junior, Chad Powell.
About his experience in the program, aspiring videographer David Baril said, “I’ve learned so much about editing and camera techniques that I feel I am prepared to go out and start my own cable access show.” Michelle Lavoie summed up the whole course in six simple words, “I like it, and it’s cool.”
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Lewiston, Edward Little, Leavitt Area, Lisbon, Oak Hill, and Poland Regional high schools can enroll in the multimedia program. The program has no prerequisites and meets for two periods on an alternate day, rotating schedule. The class offers two computer credits. Instructor Sylvie St. Amand has high hopes that eventually LRTC will have its own studio and television channel. Next year is sure to fill up quick, so students are encouraged to sign up early! Additional information can be found at http://www.lewiston.k12.me.us/~lrtcweb/
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