Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, and Barbara Walters all got their start pursuing a broadcasting career in high school and college. These reporters had digital communication training before advancing to the “big leagues.” The Digital Communications students are experiencing their first taste of fame, starring on the morning announcements five days a week.
The primary goal of the Digital Communications class is to produce and record the morning announcements for the school to broadcast during second period. The class, which is offered to ninth through twelfth graders, began two years ago and has been growing.
In addition to the morning announcements, they work together to create videos and interviews to highlight different parts of the school.
Junior Marissa de LaViez signed up for the class again this year. She said, “It is really unique and not like any other class.” The class offers the opportunity to work with intricate equipment that is used in prestigious news stations.
The class provides a way for students to really get involved in the school.
Junior Michaela DeRosa, new to the Digital Communications class said, “I want to learn how to work the cameras and learn more about video production.”
A wide variety of jobs are available to those who major in communications. From a news broadcaster to a human resource officer, or even a speech writer, this class can be a start toward pursuing these careers.
The broadcast studio is full of technical equipment, ranging from cameras to microphones. Students learn how to use the Adobe editing software, the teleprompter, and even the green screen.
Mr. Patrick Greene, Project Lead the Way teacher, said, “I most enjoy teaching Digital Communications because of the class dynamics.” The class tests time management skills as students work on a major deadline to produce the announcements by 9:00 am every day.
Students must take personal risks as they broadcast the announcements in front of the entire school. The confidence gained from this course can help almost any future career.
Almost every school in Frederick County offers a Digital Communications course. For those who want a more in-depth experience the Career and Technology Center also provides a Television/Multimedia Production course. This course prepares students for a broadcasting or communications career.
During the second or third year of this program, students have the opportunity to intern with local news and radio stations such as Channel 18 and WFMD.
There are local options for students who would want to go a step further with Communications and Broadcasting in college. Frederick Community College offers a TV Production program. Graduates from this program have been employed by Frederick County and City Government to produce cable programming. For more information, visit the course description page on the FCC website.
Mr.Greene said, “To be in the class, students must have a lot of creativity, enthusiasm in video production and a willingness to be on air.”
Marissa de LaViez says, “Join the class because it is good to have a variety of classes and it is really fun!”
If you have any questions about registering for the Digital Communications class, see Mr. Greene for more information.
