The Georgia Student Media Festival began in 1976, and it has steadily grown over time to incorporate the work of thousands of students across the state in grades kindergarten through twelfth. Liberty County has been a consistent presence at the festival, submitting hundred of projects each year. In fact, this year Liberty County submitted more projects than any other county in the state.
Media specialists, computer lab teachers, classroom teachers, and instructional technology specialists work together at the schools in Liberty County to equip students with the tools to plan, research, organize, and create quality technology-based projects. The festival provides a unique vehicle for project-based learning. It is exciting to see the variety and quality of the work created. The curriculum standards are evident in the information presented, writing process, and studens' creation and selection of visual media.
 |
|
The level of support for the festival has enjoyed a steep increase in Liberty County. This is due in part to the recent tradition of honoring students whom earn a superior score at the Georgia Student Media Festival with a red carpet premiere of their projects and awarding Oscars to individual project. Group projects of five students or less earn individual trophies, and classroom teachers are presented with a trophy for projects created by more than five students. School media specialists, teachers, and administrators have made it a point to attend the celebration of work. Families and students enjoy gathering together for this unique event.
In the past, superior projects from the state level festival could be submitted into an International Student Media Festival. However, the future of the international festival is bleak. The professional organization which sponsored the event stopped funding the festival. Last year a group of dedicated volunteers rallied to provide a festival. Unfortunately, it does not appear that an international festival will occur this year.
As the Media Coordinator of Liberty County School System, I think the process of producing media festival projects is more valuable than the tangible rewards. The festival provides students with a rich, engaging, and challenging task. I am proud of all the students that dedicate their time and energy to the process. All of the student participants are winners in my book!
No comments:
Post a Comment