Schools across America have been trying to incorporate
technology into the curriculum. What better way to spice up the morning
announcements using cameras, computers, green screens, slide shows, and music?
Benefits
School TV News programs have been popping up in schools for
many years. Many advocates of school news programs have expressed a growth in
the school community, student involvement, increased critical thinking, and
growth of leadership among students. Students are meeting a variety of Common
Core Standards, such as, writing, reading, listening, and speaking standards.
Sample Shows
Orenco Elementary in Hillsboro, Oregon, has created over 250
broadcasts for their school’s live, student-produced television production,
known as Orca Live. Currently posted on their school’s website are their four
latest seasons. Upon viewing the September session from Season 8 (2011 – 2012),
I noticed the following:
- · The video was published until School Tube
- · The beginning of the news school they introduced the new teachers
- · Welcomed substitute teachers that were in the building
- · Listed all the birthdays
- · Provided various facts about different schools around the world
- · Highlighted the custodian
- · Focused on the Number 8 (since it was season 8)
- · Drew names of students to pass out reward
- · Used a variety of props during the session
This session lasted an average of eleven minutes.
I then watched the September session from Season 11 (2014 –
2015) to look for updates. I noticed the following:
- · Again listed birthday and weather
- · All about the number eleven
- · Spotlight on new teachers – provided facts, interview questions
- · 2 students as anchors with additional students throughout the news
- · Use of a green screen
- · Props but through the use of technology
This session lasted an average of thirteen minutes.
I watched another session to determine when
the school had switched to the use of a green screen. It appeared to be around
Season 10. During this time I saw that the school was hosting their final show
of the season and they had all 12 students representing. When I first watched the two news shows I couldn’t believe
how long they lasted! I thought that 10 – 13 minutes each day was a long news
show. I then realized that they only did one about twice a month.
Be sure to check out Orenco’s school website to watch their
news cast shows and see if you can get any additional tips for your own news show!
Staffing
As noted in Orenco’s staffing production, they average about
12 students on the production team. At my work, fifth grade students are
recommended to the media specialist based upon behavior and grades. The media
specialist then conducts several try-outs to determine who will make it to the
team.
Students that are a part of the staff learn so many valuable
skills; communication skills, research skills, script writing, and most
importantly responsibility. Students have to make sure they are on time for
each recording, plan their research, meet deadlines, and assist others.
Other news broadcasts
may include:
- · Pledge
- · School rules
- · Lunch choices
- · Critical Verb of the week
- · College/University of the week (even in Elementary schools)
- · Trivia
- · Any other up and coming news
As one can assess hosting a news show requires background
knowledge on various technology, equipment, script writing, and directing. News
shows can be a lot of work and take up a lot of time, but the benefits to
hosting a news production out weigh the cons.
Christina,
ReplyDeleteThe information you provided was awesome! My school is currently looking to restart our school news program and the resources you presented would be very helpful in this endeavor. With the move to common core and college/career readiness, it is important for students to develop the pose in speaking and presenting information as well as develop listening skills that are useful in all career options students may choose. The skills students learn while participating in the school news program are skills they can take with them.