Are you a high school student, considering taking a digital media class? This article will help you understand what to expect. I strongly suggest you hear what your teachers think by listening to the TV Matters Podcast.
EP121 Jonathan Forstein, Head AV Instructor Co-Op Tech, and JSK High School in NY City – TV Matters
Why You Should Sign up For A Digital Media Class
I signed up because my friend was in TV class and it looked fun — you don’t need a bigger reason. Many people think that you should only learn about subjects for which you already have a passion, but that’s not where passion comes from. Curiosity leads to passion and high school is a time to explore your curiosity.
What You Can Learn in Digital Media Class
The classes that each school offers are different, so please check with your guidance counselor before signing up. Digital media refers to any form of content that utilizes digital technology for creation, distribution, and consumption. This definition includes graphic design, video production and video editing, web development, podcasting, animation, and more.
When it comes to graphic design, digital media allows student-artists to create visually stunning and interactive images through the use of software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Student designers learn how to manipulate images, create logos, and design layouts for websites, advertisements, and more. Some schools need digital artists for the yearbook layout.
Video production and post production is another important aspect of digital media. While it’s true that anyone can now create high-quality videos using their smartphones or digital cameras, learning in a classroom setting will teach you about building stories. Most schools have broadcast journalism programs or film classes. Becoming a journalist will connect you to the local community, and give you a platform to raise voices in your school. Film classes let you explore your artistic side. I watch tons of student horror films!
Web development is also a digital art that is a crucial skill in today’s world. With increasing reliance on the internet, businesses and individuals need websites to establish their online presence. Digital media classes teach students how to code and design websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They learn how to create user-friendly interfaces, optimize websites for search engines, and ensure compatibility across different devices.
A Career in Digital Media is Possible Out of High School
Whether you feel creatively inclined (I didn’t) or simply like technology, digital media is a rich outlet for personal expression that, as a bonus, can lead to a career. Many schools offer Career Technical Education (CTE) programs that are specifically designed to equipping students with valuable work skills right out of high-school. Many digital art industry jobs do not require a college degree, though degrees are helpful for many reasons. Digital art jobs pay well but are highly competitive. Employers often favor younger candidates, so your age may be an advantage.
Because digital technology changes so quickly, your teachers will often be your peers when it comes to knowing the latest software or hardware. Your teachers will use their experience to guide you in storytelling, technical competency, and give you opportunities to put your skills to the test. They will send you out on productions, bring you real clients, enter you in competitions, and ask you to work on projects for your school. All of those things will help build your portfolio.
Digital art jobs will almost always require building a portfolio. Your grade in English class doesn’t matter an employer looking for a digital artist. They want to see your work.
The Importance of Understanding Digital Media in Today’s World
In today’s digital age, understanding digital media is just as critical as being able to create it. Understanding digital media is important for various industries. From marketing and advertising to content creation and social media management, digital media literacy has become highly valuable. By taking a digital media class, you will learn how to convey an idea through a digital medium.
Marketing and advertising have undergone a significant transformation with the rise of digital media. Traditional methods, such as print ads and billboards, have taken a backseat to online advertising platforms like Google Ads and social media ads.
The Structure of a High School Digital Media Class
The structure of a digital media class will vary depending on the school. However, the following sections will provide you with a general idea of what to expect.
Typical Course Outline
- An introduction to digital media storytelling
- Technical training on software and hardware
- Project based learning
- Feedback on your work
- Building a portfolio
Technical Skills You Will Learn
- Using graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator
- Editing videos with programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
- Creating and managing websites using HTML and CSS
- Designing interactive media projects with software like Toon Boom
These fundamental skills will provide you with a strong foundation in digital media creation and production, which you’ll take with you into the project based learning component.
Preparing for Your Digital Media Class
Necessary Equipment and Software
Your school should provide everything you need in order to create digital media. That means, the school may provide you with professional cameras, computers, software, batteries, hard drives, microphones, broadcasting sets, live broadcast backbacks, drones and more. Of course, each school has different resources, and most wont have everything that I listed above.
It’s not uncommon for a student to be trusted with thousands of dollars worth of equipment on a daily basis. Don’t blow it! Be careful, and respectful with your equipment. Breaking it could mean that future students will have nothing to use for years as annual school and grant funding fluctuates a lot in arts programs.
It is helpful, but not required, to have your own computer or laptop with the required hardware specifications for digital media, as well as licensed software programs such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
Pre-Class Reading and Research
To get a head start on your digital media class, consider doing some pre-class reading and research. Explore online tutorials, articles, and videos that cover the basics of graphic design, video production, and web development. Follow some Youtubers who make content about making content. For example, I love watching ThisGuyEdits on Youtube. It’s helpful, but not required to walk into class on the first day with some idea of what it takes to be successful.
The Role of a Digital Media Class in Future Careers
Career Paths in Digital Media
As I mentioned at the top, by taking a digital media class in high school, you are opening doors to numerous career paths in this exciting field. There are lots of careers you already know about like graphic designer, video producer, web developer, social media manager, or digital marketer. But there are also lots of jobs you probably don’t know about like script supervisor, colorist, post production supervisor, technical director, online editor, and more.
For every job you know about there are at least five you’ve never heard of and another five that don’t exist because they haven’t been invented yet.
In addition to the hard technical skills you gain from this class, the soft skills are just as important, or maybe more important. In a digital media class you will be asked to work collaboratively on most projects. You need to be on-time, trustworthy, responsible, a good communicator, and you will need to deal with adversity. You’ll show up to a film shoot and it’ll start raining. You’ll forget batteries for your mic and need to overcome. Your computer will crash after you’d edited 90% of the video and you’ll have to work all night to get the project done in time. That stuff is normal. It’s actually not normal if it doesn’t happen occasionally.
How Digital Media Skills Apply to Other Industries
Even if you do not pursue a career directly related to digital media, the skills you acquire in this class are valuable in various industries. Effective visual communication, storytelling, and multimedia production are transferable skills that can complement fields such as marketing, advertising, business, and even healthcare. Digital media skills can set you apart from others and open up opportunities for creativity and innovation in any industry.
Making the Most of Your Digital Media Class
Tips for Success
To make the most of your high school digital media class, consider the following tips:
- Stay organized by keeping track of assignments and deadlines
- Seek feedback from your instructor and peers to improve your work
- Explore supplementary resources, such as online tutorials and books
- Collaborate with classmates on projects to broaden your perspective
By incorporating these tips into your approach to the class, you will maximize your learning experience and enhance your digital media skills.
Continuing Your Digital Media Education After High School
If you find yourself passionate about digital media after taking a high school class, consider continuing your education in this field. Many colleges and universities offer programs in graphic design, film and media production, and web development. Additionally, there are online courses and workshops that can further develop your skills and keep you updated on the latest industry trends.
Taking a digital media class in high school is an exciting journey that opens doors to creative and professional opportunities. By understanding what it means to be a digital artist, preparing for the class, and making the most of your learning experience, you will be well-equipped for a future in digital media. Embrace the chance to explore your creative potential and embark on a path of technological innovation!
