How Media Clubs Improve Schools (Preview)

John Baird, M.Sc.

Math Teacher

Austin, TX

Media Clubs

• This is a preview of the SXSWedu 2013 presentation

• The presentation focuses on the story of each club and the lessons that can be learned from each unique case

Student Publishing in NYC

Student Publishing in NYC

• Students from different backgrounds collaborated on their own art projects

• A quarter of the entire 8th grade

• Hosted a guest speaker– Kittyhawk, webcomic artist

• Support level: mostly positive– Most teachers, parents, and administrators, with

few exceptions

Anime Club at a Treatment Center

• No pictures due to privacy protections• Treatment center for mental health issues

– Emotional disturbance, etc.

• A primary source of media exposure in a highly restrictive environment– Common experience gave rise to a unique

meme

• Support level: Mixed– Treatment center staff, but not school officials

Asian Culture in Houston

Asian Culture in Houston• Combined student publishing with an

interest in events– Game tournaments (Yugioh, Pokemon, etc.)– A fan convention: RAMSCon

• A large percentage of first-time participants in after-school programming

• Support level: Mixed– A few teachers and many community leaders,

but no administrators or parents

Film Club in Austin• No pictures yet (Fall 2012 formed)

• 6th and 7th graders creating their own movies– Scripts, cameras, editing, acting, etc.

• Formed based on student interest

• Support level: high– Parents, teachers, and administrators all

pitching in

Outcomes• New York

– Two at-risk student members went on to high school

– Several members went on to continue creating their own work in high school

• RTC– Club was shut down by superintendent,

lessening the quality of life for residents– Several members got back into anime after

leaving the RTC

Outcomes

• Houston– Members have gone on to host events of their

own– Several are active in the local community

• Austin– To be determined!– Plans in place to expand to documentaries and

journalism