Student Filmmakers Find a Voice Through a Technology Program

TL;DR

Students in an elective EAST class create a historical documentary, showcasing their hands-on learning experiences and reaping the rewards of their hard work at a film festival.

Transcript

Narrator: The Environmental and Spatial Technology Initiative, EAST, is an elective class offered in schools around the country. Students use the latest technology to complete projects of their own design that often serve their community. >>Sarah: And then we contacted the people who owned the rights. >>Narrator: Emma and Sarah are eighth graders... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤗 EAST provides students with hands-on experiences that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.
• 🧑‍🎓 Students in EAST have the opportunity to take ownership of their projects and make them more engaging and interactive.
• 👻 EAST allows students to develop skills such as editing, public speaking, and comfort in unfamiliar situations.
• 🤔 The EAST program encourages creativity and critical thinking outside the confines of a set curriculum.
• 📽️ The success of the documentary emphasizes the value of student-led projects and the impact they can have in competitions and film festivals.
• 👻 EAST classes offer a different type of learning experience than traditional courses, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a practical and tangible way.
• 🖐️ The support and guidance of EAST teachers play a crucial role in facilitating students' success and empowering them to pursue their interests.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the EAST class?

The purpose of the EAST class is to provide students with a hands-on learning experience where they can work on projects of their own design, often serving their community.

Q: What role did each student play in creating the documentary?

Emma took on the editing role, while Sarah was responsible for writing and organizing the content.

Q: How has being a part of EAST impacted the students' understanding of history?

Being a part of EAST has allowed the students to bring history to life by creating a documentary. They feel a deeper connection to the subject matter and have a better understanding of historical events.

Q: How does EAST differ from traditional US History classes?

EAST offers more freedom and flexibility compared to traditional US History classes, where students are often limited to set curriculum and structured assignments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Students in an EAST class at Horace Mann Middle School in Little Rock, Arkansas, produce a ten-minute historical documentary.

• The students handle various roles, such as editing, organizing, and writing, to create their film.

• EAST offers students a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom education.