The Process
Equipment & Tools
Cameras
For on-the-street reporting, the news crew is using a mix of Flip cameras and iPod Touch devices. Students take the small handheld cameras out into the school to film current news and events. They can upload iPod video into a Dropbox account and transfer Flip video through the studio computer.
Encoding Software
Before using Microsoft Expression Encoding Software, we used Windows Media Encoder which only played wmv files. There was a lof of unnecessary time spent converting video so that it could be utilized with the encoding software. The MS Expression software allows us to encode more file formats - mov, mp4, mkv , etc - so we save time and our sanity by not having to convert. This is critical when using an iDevice because students can film on the device and it can be loaded directly into the playlist. News stays current and doesn’t get held up in a converting queue.
We are using the free version of MS Expression coupled with QuickTime. Installing of QuickTime is necessary for all the different flie formats to play. You also need to run the most current version of Silverlight for the software to work correctly. We worked with techngoy services to get all the proper software installed and to establish publishing points. Check at your school or with your districts what the protocol would be if you need to update your software.
Computer
Your team will need access to a computer with picture and video editing software. The operating system doesn't matter; it can be a Mac or Windows. What type of OS you use might determine what editing software is available to you. We chose an iMac because of the access to iMovie. Students are able to easily edit footage shot with the Flip camera or iPods within iMovie. This quick turn around helps increase the engagement of the viewers and in turn helps build an active, close-knit school community. iMovie is where the students put together all the media for the day. They then preview it live and full-screen. This reduces the number of steps involved and makes it easier to manage; this is their news show.
Dropbox.com
We created a Dropbox account specifically for the news team. It is installed on all iPod Touches, on the iMac and on the encoder cart. This allows students to upload news footage and have it be almost immediately accessible for editing or broadcasting. It is important to remember that Dropbox won't upload files larger than 180 MB while on an iDevice. This translates to about 2 minutes. Shooting shorter clips will help students avoid this problem. If there are clips that are too large, connect the iPod to the computer and pull the files over that way. There is a 500MB limit for transferring files from the iPod to a machine running Windows XP.
Other Equipment
For on-the-street reporting, the news crew is using a mix of Flip cameras and iPod Touch devices. Students take the small handheld cameras out into the school to film current news and events. They can upload iPod video into a Dropbox account and transfer Flip video through the studio computer.
Encoding Software
Before using Microsoft Expression Encoding Software, we used Windows Media Encoder which only played wmv files. There was a lof of unnecessary time spent converting video so that it could be utilized with the encoding software. The MS Expression software allows us to encode more file formats - mov, mp4, mkv , etc - so we save time and our sanity by not having to convert. This is critical when using an iDevice because students can film on the device and it can be loaded directly into the playlist. News stays current and doesn’t get held up in a converting queue.
We are using the free version of MS Expression coupled with QuickTime. Installing of QuickTime is necessary for all the different flie formats to play. You also need to run the most current version of Silverlight for the software to work correctly. We worked with techngoy services to get all the proper software installed and to establish publishing points. Check at your school or with your districts what the protocol would be if you need to update your software.
Computer
Your team will need access to a computer with picture and video editing software. The operating system doesn't matter; it can be a Mac or Windows. What type of OS you use might determine what editing software is available to you. We chose an iMac because of the access to iMovie. Students are able to easily edit footage shot with the Flip camera or iPods within iMovie. This quick turn around helps increase the engagement of the viewers and in turn helps build an active, close-knit school community. iMovie is where the students put together all the media for the day. They then preview it live and full-screen. This reduces the number of steps involved and makes it easier to manage; this is their news show.
Dropbox.com
We created a Dropbox account specifically for the news team. It is installed on all iPod Touches, on the iMac and on the encoder cart. This allows students to upload news footage and have it be almost immediately accessible for editing or broadcasting. It is important to remember that Dropbox won't upload files larger than 180 MB while on an iDevice. This translates to about 2 minutes. Shooting shorter clips will help students avoid this problem. If there are clips that are too large, connect the iPod to the computer and pull the files over that way. There is a 500MB limit for transferring files from the iPod to a machine running Windows XP.
Other Equipment
- Video Converter - the iMac outputs digital video - this box converts from digital to analog
- Video Switcher - allows to transition between video sources
- Audio Mixer - allows to switch between audio sources
- Dropbox - Winnerbees Account - installed on encoder cart, iMac, and on the iDevices so kids can upload video right after it is shot
Components of Morning Announcements
Bee TV:
- The Countdown
- The Welcome
- The Broadcast
- The Pledge
- The Moment of Silence
- The Principal
- The Bee Life Pledge
TNN - Tiger News Network
- Today at JJH
- In the Bus Lane
- Lunch/Weather
- From the Top
- Outro - recap important points/highlights from the broadcast