Project Based Learning • Academic Enhancement • Media Literacy • Arts Education
Service Learning • Student Portfolios • Real World Connections
Dynamic Partnerships • Outcomes
Edge Media: Overview
Edge Media Programming relies on dynamic project models to illustrate and reinforce the inter-connected nature of our world. Our students learn that education and creativity are linked, that technology empowers as much as it entertains, and that they receive more from society through selfless engagement. They discover that learning is as fun as playing when it is meaningful to their lives. We rely on the following program elements to support these values.
Project Based Learning
Edge Media programming employs the project-based learning model. This learning model has students working in teams to explore real-world topics. Through first hand experience, idea sharing and collective problem solving the students create presentations to share what they have learned and the ideas they have generated. Compared with learning solely from textbooks, this approach has many benefits for students, including a deeper knowledge of the subject matter, increased self-direction and motivation, greater research and problem-solving skills, better communication skills, and high levels of critical thinking.
Our projects help students in succeed in the classroom and beyond. Because students are able to apply multiple modes of learning and thinking, they free employ their in innate style of intelligence in concert with those of their team members. We encourage them to share their way of learning and problem solving while being open to the modes of their peer. Our goal is to foster individuals who can solve problems creatively, using multiple strengths.back to top
Academic Enhancement
Our projects are designed to harmonize with and support existing class curricula and school district learning objectives. We work with the participating teachers in our host school to develop projects that support their teaching objectives. Enhancing reading competence and comprehension, writing skills, critical thinking and oral communication are all core objectives for Edge Media projects.back to top
Media Literacy
Edge Media projects are all media driven. Students participate with the final goal of creating a media presentation that effectively communicates their ideas to an intended audience. In support of this goal students learn about key aspects of the media including technical and production skills, research and thinking skills and observation and analytical skills.
Media classes are offered after school. Students study photography, video production,and graphic design. Our goal as media professionals is to foster a new generation of empowered media producers and consumers.back to top
Arts Education
Our after school arts classes offer students the chance study creative writing and multi-media art forms. Creativity is one of the most powerful ways of learning and expressing ideas. The freedom and flexibility of the creative arts provides the students with the opportunity to explore project ideas without limitations. Students learn more about themselves as they engage in the creative arts.back to top
Service Learning
Every Edge Media project has a service-learning component. This active learning experience helps make each project’s subject matter real. Depending on the topic students engage in various form of community service as a way of implementing and building on their knowledge. The service-learning activity is a catalyst for a whole new level of insight and reflection for each student. Journal writing and discussion seminars help encourage deeper investigation.back to top
Student Portfolios
Each student keeps an organized binder of project notes, writing assignments, creative exercises and group activities. The binder documents their progress and illustrates what they’ve learned, how they have grown and what they have produced throughout the project.back to top
Real World Connections
A crucial component of each project are the learning workshops. These workshops are designed to allow students to interact with real world experts on the topic of study. As a classroom activity it brings a level of interaction and stimulating conversation that they would normally only find on field trips. The learning workshops are an effective way to make the classroom experience informative and engaging.back to top
Dynamic Partnerships
Strong partnerships are at the core of every Edge Media project. They help bring our innovative curricula to life. Typical project partners include:
1. Media Facilitators:
Jouralists and media professionals are key to helping the students understand how to tailor their ideas and presentations for the greatest impact on their audience.
2. Teaching partners:
School teachers provide the environment and expertise that give our projects a solid academic foundation.
3. Arts Facilitators:
Arts facilitators stimulate the students’ imaginations and creative reasoning.
4. Service learning:
Service partners provide the platform for some of the most enduring learning experiences.
5. Community Partners:
The learning workshops rely community participation to help make the classroom learning experience dimensional and nuanced. People with diverse experiences provide a sense of being a part of history in the making.back to top
Outcomes
By the end of the project our students are burgeoning experts on the topic they studied. They have developed an appreciation for the power of the media, have a greater understanding of how it works and are empowered to create their own media as informed individuals.
The dynamic projects encourage the students to want to learn by giving them something to care about. In this way Edge Media projects support institutional learning objectives and help change students attitudes towards learning.
The service-learning components provide the students with the experience of making a difference in their world. Most young people have never had the sense that they can be force for change. Our projects provide them with that sense of empowerment as well as the educational and technical tools to act on it.back to top
