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Students go Gaga in video
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Alli Fonce (left) and Lisa Holmes, both seniors at Girard High, with their teacher, Jamie Williams. stand in front of the story boards that became the video, “Just Learn,” a parody of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” The video, which was conceived, cast, filmed, edited and produced by GHS digital media students, is one of five finalists in the 2010 eInstruction Classroom Makeover Contest.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
GIRARD
Girard High School digital-media class students who made a video called “Just Learn” did that — and more.
They learned from the beginning of the creative process on story boards about how an idea takes shape in pre-production. And they learned as they worked diligently through post- production, where good editing makes all the difference.
In between, the students learned about themselves and developed or honed skills on the computer and video camera.
The effort resulted in “Just Learn," a 21/2-minute video that is one of five finalists from high schools competing in the 2010 eInstruction Classroom Makeover Contest. The winner will receive more than $60,000 in advanced interactive technology.
To vote, visit the school district Web site at www.GirardCitySchools.org and under “breaking news,” click on the video entry, which will take you to a sign-in page.
Monday night, the GHS video had 3,714 votes and was in the lead, having more than 8,900 views overall. Votes from the public account for 40 percent of the total. A panel of seven judges with education and technology backgrounds will evaluate the videos on originality, technology and how students worked together. Dec. 2 is the deadline to vote.
Jamie Williams, visual-arts teacher, oversaw the project in the digital-media class of 20 students. Though many potential entry ideas were proposed, a parody of Lady Gaga’s hit “Just Dance,” by seniors Ali Fonce, 17, and Lisa Holmes, 18, was the favorite.
“It’s a song everyone knows ... and it wasn’t vulgar,” Lisa said. “All the kids liked it.”
Friends Lisa and Ali got together and worked out the words.
The teacher said the project is much more than winning a contest. “It teaches them creative-thinking skills and how to take an idea and execute it according to a plan,” he said.
Williams said at least 30 minutes of good material is necessary to achieve the final 21/2-minute finished video. The requirements were to include a logo, product in the song (eInstruction, a company that provides interactive classroom technology) and how technology enhances classroom learning.
“Just Learn” parodies “Just Dance,” and a Lady Gaga wanna-be in flashy clothes and high heels makes an appearance. In quick snapshots in the hallway, classrooms and at computers, teachers let their hair down and cafeteria ladies get in on the act. It all took planning and execution then the skill to put it together into a cohesive and fun video that invites you to sing along — captioning provided.
Special effects, including black-and-white, and clever camera angles keep it interesting but aren’t overdone. Good editing
presents actions that fit perfectly with the lyrics. Ali, Lisa and Breanna Schlatter, a senior, sing the parody tune.
Ali and Lisa said the project began in September, and the video submission deadline was Nov. 2.
“I hope students begin to understand the power that technology wields and the potential it has,” Williams said.
But, he pointed out, though Girard has state-of-the-art computer equipment, the video was produced using relatively simple equipment valued at about $250.
“I think technology makes things more interesting and hands-on,” Lisa said. “It’s so much a part of society. You can’t not know how to use it.”
“Technology is a way to teach us,” Ali said of her generation.
Williams said this video surpassed his expectations. “I think it shows the kids that they can do what they want in life,” he said. He credited Girard administration with “progressive thinking about how technology helps kids.”
William Ryser, GHS principal, said, “Students exceeded our expectations ... the video shows their talents.”