What is a Storyboard?

What is a Storyboard?

I am currently teaching a class on TV/Film production at Mentorship Academy in Baton Rouge. I have all of my students working in true Full Sail fashion with their own Blogger blogs complete with an “about me” page. We are currently going into week 3 and now its time to get down and dirty into the curriculum, so I will introduce storyboarding. A storyboard is a collection of organized sketches for the purpose of mapping out animations or a motion picture. In doing research as to how I will introduce this concept to my students, I ran across some very useful information.

1.     Storyboards can be sketched in pencil and paper or on the computer. 

So because I am not a talented artist, I have been looking for some computer software tools (i.e. free software) that can easily be manipulated to create good storyboards. I found http://www.storyboardthat.com, a simple to use web application that has pre made characters and makes it easy to tell your story. https://www.celtx.com/index.html is another application that encourages collaboration and also utilizes mobile application integration using the new cloud based sharing model. Collaborations can happen in near real time with this application. http://cinemek.com/storyboard/ is a mobile application that uses real photos to create your story with movement of the camera. The app is called Cinemek Storyboard Composer. I think I will try to use this one myself.

2.     You don’t have to be a good artist to storyboard. I always thought you had to be a good artist to make compelling storyboards. I could not have been further from being correct. I found out that Martin Scorsese’s film Taxi was storyboarded with stick figures. This works out for people like me who can’t draw to save my life.

3.     Storyboarding can be fun! It really gives you a sense of creating a complete story when you are able to look at things shot by shot.

If you decide to write a movie or video, try one of these resources and let me know what you think. Do you think storyboarding is a good practice to have in shooting a movie or documentary? Do you think you should just grab the camera and shoot? Let me know! Thanks for reading my blog!

References: http://www.storyboardthat.com, https://www.celtx.com/index.html, http://cinemek.com/storyboard/

Edmodo Vs. Schoology?

I have been blessed with an opportunity to be a digital media teacher at Mentorship Academy in Baton Rouge. School starts tomorrow and I have been franticly searching the Internet for Ideas to incorporate digital media as well as social media to my class. The objective for my class is to be an introduction to digital media through the use of film, video editing, music production, and graphic design. All of these different skill sets go hand in hand when looking to write and direct your own movie. By the end of the school year, students will have learned proper lighting, recording techniques; storyboarding, creative writing sequence; and digital music production and design basics. 

My vision for the way in which I want to teach is to be completely digital. I am going to use websites such as Edmodo, YouTube and Schoology to introduce topics, watch video tutorials and gain class feedback. I have been doing research on both Edmodo as well as Schoology to see which one I would like better. Here is a break down of what each of the educational sites offers. 

Edmodo offers a platform that allows students to interact with the teachers and it also allows teachers to interact and share information among other teachers.  When I first logged on, I noticed that the site does resemble Facebook in that way it is formatted. I think this familiar look makes the students feel more comfortable when engaging in the platform. Edmodo just released an iPhone and iPad app this July. The app comes equipped with a feature that allows teachers to exchange information by “bumping” their phones.

Schoology has all of the same features as Edmodo, however provides students with a place where students can comment on assignments, upload homework and take quizzes and tests that are created, and graded within the platform. Schoology also incorporates the teacher’s calendar, attendance and grading for each student.

I’m sure both of these platforms perform well, I still have to test them both out to see what I would want to use in the future. I think I am leaning more towards Schoology, but I haven’t heard any other teachers really talking about it. I am anxious to find out more so I can share. I already have an Edmodo account and will be making a Schoology account tonight.

Do you think technology integration in schools is a good thing? If not why? If you are familiar with any of these platforms, which one do you prefer?

Resources:

https://www.schoology.com/home.php

https://www.edmodo.com

http://educatorstudio.com/resources/schoology

http://educatorstudio.com/articles/educational-app-week-edmodo-v-schoology

Are you a Registered DJ?

The American Disc Jockey Association is the only registered trade association for mobile DJ’s. This is important because there are limited options when it comes to finding a reputable DJ.  Some people may feel that being a part of an association takes money out of your pocket and there are limited funds to begin with when you are starting out as a new DJ. Below are some benefits to joining the American Disc Jockey Association.

Intuit: This is a credit card reader service that allows you to take payments while on the go. I actually have this reader and it has worked tremendously well for myself when I was trying to sell merchandise at a show.

DiscJockeys.com: A top site for consumers/clients looking to find disc jockeys. DJs are listed in the database with an American Disc Jockey logo next to their name to show their affiliation with the association.

DJ Intelligence: A site that enhances your personal DJ website. This site gives your site an instant upgrade with request forms, surveys, instant price quote generator and credit card reader plus more.  All tools are customized to match the look and feel of the your own personal website.

The American Disc Jockey Association also offers (adja.org/public/benefits)

AFFORDABLE Health Insurance for DJ’s and their families!

Vehicle Fleet Buying Program!

NEW Leasing program with 2% Cash Back!

Affordable Debt Collection Services!

Employee Background Screening Service!

EXCLUSIVE Discount on printing from
Wholesale Entertainment Printing

AWESOME Savings with Office Depot & Staples

EXCLUSIVE Discount on Enhanced
DJIntelligence Planning Forms

Discounts on Musicians Atlas

Association of Bridal Consultants: ADJA members are eligible to become “Vendors” and link up with bridal consultants to be referred for weddings.

In conclusion, there seem to be many benefits that I didn’t really know existed. This is my first year DJing professionally. I am highly considering joining the American Disc Jockey Association for the added benefits as well as the support from other DJs around the country.