Course: Grade 11 Communications Technology
Date: Winter 2021 – Remote Learning
Teacher: Mark Sumner
In the Grade 11 Communications Technology course, students looked at several forms of technology and developed skills required to produce effective media works. For this project, students were asked to choose an issue or cause that was meaningful to them and for which they could create two pieces of communication using the skills and techniques we learned in the course that would be part of a larger media campaign.
In Communications Technology, we explore the theories behind and impact of various media technologies used for communicating in our society. We spend much of the course learning and creating with those technologies; students learned graphic design, photography and image editing, audio production and video production.
To my surprise, for this project several students chose to include an audio production component in the form of a mini-podcast. There were several audio compositions that were done very well, and it was clear that many of the students were both surprised at the quality of work they could produce and proud of their final product.
Media technologies can be effective tools to communicate hope and bring joy in a time when it is needed so much. Recognizing that God can use their story and voice for the good of others was a powerful realization that several students made during the course of this project. I hope that this continues and grows beyond this course.
Mark Sumner, Teacher
When we were asked to advocate for something that we were passionate about through a chosen medium for our final Communication Technology project, I immediately knew that I wanted to make a podcast about mental health. Psychology has always been an interest of mine, but my struggles over the past few years have really driven me to learn more about mental illnesses, or more specifically, how to manage them and support those who struggle with them. This interest led me to my focus for the project- how to support people’s mental health, even when you have no clue where to start. While working on my podcast, I quickly realized that perfection is out of the picture when you’re editing audio. It’s impossible to edit every single breath and miniscule pause out of a recording, unless you want to spend the next few months staring at your laptop screen. This was a huge struggle for me, but it helped me learn that an element of imperfection in your work isn’t actually a bad thing, but rather something that can help you connect with your audience. Creating this podcast has been a wonderful experience all around, and has really helped me learn that my voice is influential and valuable for others to hear!
Kate Hoogstra, Student
One student chose to combine the audio production and graphic design units, with a focus on mental health. Listen to Kate’s podcast episode, Messy Mental Health.