Let's get digital: School news and podcasting in the classroom

School news has always been a popular elective for students. Whether interested in a future career in the media or seeking a creative outlet, students often want to be involved with something shared among their peers. Perfecting a skill and providing a useful final project – like a STEM-focused podcast or daily school news – is a valuable lesson. These grants let students do exactly that!

Podcasting

Podcasts have boomed in popularity over the past 10 years, and both teachers and students have taken notice. Christa Lasley at West Collierville Middle School incorporated podcasting into her STEM lessons to catch students’ attention. Students create podcasts to reinforce their lessons, improving their knowledge of STEM subjects. The podcast materials are an innovative way for students to engage in technology and share their understanding of class content, helping future students grasp concepts in the process. Podcasting in the classroom also lets students test their media skills and learn how to host a podcast, something they may never think of doing on their own.

School newspaper 

School newspapers are traditionally printed, but with printing costs and the general move toward classroom technology, a digital edition seemed like the best fit for West Collierville Middle. With the help of a CEF grant, a School Newspaper Club was established to create an updated publication. The club uses online software to produce free digital issues for all students and school personnel. The paper engages students and adults, giving them fun and informative news while strengthening schoolwide communication.

Morning announcements

Another media-focused club at West Collierville Middle is the Broadcasting Club. Students in the club write, create graphics, record and edit the daily announcements, West News. Collierville Middle School also used funds from CEF to update their school news. The news team received a new camera, lighting kit, backdrop, tripods and a video encoder. Every student, teacher and staff member relies on the morning announcements for information on events, special days and lunch times. With these upgraded materials, information will be easily accessible to all, and students will be able to learn new technical skills.

Dragon Media teleprompter

The Collierville High School’s Dragon Media student news anchors had been reading their scripts using an old 2003 teleprompter model. Thanks to CEF, the school purchased a new teleprompter with the latest standard definition width and 1,000 lumens. This newer, brighter model makes the jobs of the anchors and on-air talents much easier.

Our grant application for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Visit this page to learn more about the application process!