Video Production Training and Technical Support
Organization:
Grand Rapids Community Media Center VISTA Name:
Nate Diedrich
Program Start:
8/2003
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
Nate contributed to the MoLLIE project (Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education) as trainer/technician . MoLLIE provides area teachers and schoolchildren with the training, tools, and means of transmission, to write, shoot, edit, and cablecast their own curriculum-linked video presentations. Nate had worked with MoLLIE prior to his tenure as a VISTA volunteer and was very familiar with the staff, procedures, equipment, and mission of the program.
Workplan
Within One week of employment:
- fill out all necessary forms with the Community Media Center human resources department
- familiarize himself with the employee manual and the responsibilities of his job
- tour and become familiar with the MoLLIE workspace(s)
- be introduced to MoLLIE and CMC staff.
- familiarize himself with the mission, policies, routines, and schedule of the MoLLIE program
Within One month of employment:
- become proficient operating digital video equipment and accessories
- become proficient with the i-movie editing program
- begin field work with clients - schools and NPOs
Within Two months of employment
- understand and accept the responsibilities as team captain
- provide proficiency training for new hires
Project Outcome:
Nate’s year with the Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education ( MoLLIE) was characterized by a continued maturing of the of the project, both in its partnerships with area schools and its facility with linking MoLLIE efforts to the area mandated curriculum. Relationships that were begun with area teachers in our first two years of operation continued and thrived. Those teachers that utilized MoLLIE in the first year actively promoted the MoLLIE project to their colleagues leading, in turn, to an expanded clientele of teachers in a broader selection of schools.
Further relationships developed that Nate was crucial to. In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, Nate facilitated the efforts of local youths at neighborhood associations and community centers in writing, shooting, performing, and editing their own Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the subject of gun violence prevention. Another partnership that developed this year in which Nate played a key role was a six-month project with Wedgwood Christian Services of West Michigan. Similar to PSN, the Wedgwood project involved providing at-risk teens with the tools, training, and means of transmission to create their own mini documentaries and PSAs focusing on substance abuse prevention.
Nate’s last and perhaps most lasting project, done in conjunction with VISTA volunteer Laura Craig-Bennett, has been the production of an eight episode instructional module series on the MoLLIE method of video production.
Impact Quote:
With his ready wit and disarming personality Nate easily wins over our student clients. Nate has developed into an outstanding teacher, through a conscious effort on his part to constantly look for better techniques and a continual honing of his own considerable teaching skills. He has excellent instincts in the classroom.