DIGITAL MEDIA | YEAR LONG COURSE
Jeff Ranoa | #104 | itech104.com | jranoa@powayusd.com | X. 3014
- CTE CERTIFIED
- COMPUTER APP CREATOR CERTIFIED
DIGITAL MEDIA 104
BLACK MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jeff Ranoa | Digital Media & Technology
Poway Unified School District
Website: www.itech104.com
Email: jranoa@powayusd.com
Room 104
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Digital Media 104 is a hands-on technology course where students learn to create, edit, design, and produce digital content using current technology and software.
Students will work with video production, animation, digital design, 3D modeling, website development, and introductory broadcast journalism. The emphasis is on learning by doing. Students will complete individual and group projects that require creativity, planning, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
This course introduces students to technology and media skills they can continue developing in high school and beyond.
Course Options:
- 12-Week Technology Wheel
- Full-Year Digital Media Exploratory
Projects and skill levels will vary depending on the course.
WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN
VIDEO PRODUCTION & EDITING
Students will learn to record, organize, and edit video using programs such as WeVideo, CapCut, and Final Cut Pro. Projects will include creative video effects, transitions, titles, sound, and storytelling.
ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS
Students will create animations and experiment with camera tricks, special effects, motion, and editing techniques. Projects may include stick-figure animation and recreating visual effects inspired by filmmakers such as Zach King.
3D DESIGN & MODELING
Using Tinkercad, students will design and build digital 3D models. Projects may include bridges, castles, space stations, airports, vehicles, and other original structures.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Students will be introduced to website creation, page layout, digital publishing, and basic web design using platforms such as WordPress or Wix. Students will learn how to organize content and develop a functional website.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM
Students will explore the basics of news production, including research, reporting, scriptwriting, filming, editing, and presenting. Projects may include school news, sports, weather, interviews, and current events.
DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY
Students will learn about copyright, online safety, responsible technology use, and appropriate digital behavior.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
This is a working classroom. Students are expected to participate, stay focused, and use class time productively.
- Be on time and ready to work. Students should be seated, logged in, and prepared when class begins.
- Stay on task. Computers are for assigned classroom activities. Gaming, unrelated websites, and unauthorized activities are not permitted.
- Work independently. Students are expected to listen, follow instructions, solve problems, and develop confidence using technology.
- Respect the equipment. Computers, cameras, and other classroom materials must be handled properly. Vandalism or intentional damage will not be tolerated.
- Respect others. Students must allow classmates to learn and work without unnecessary distractions or disruptions.
- Follow classroom technology rules. Personal phones may only be used when authorized for filming or another class assignment.
- No food, drinks, or gum in the classroom.
Classroom computers are monitored using LanSchool to help maintain an appropriate learning environment.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
Grades are primarily based on completed projects and demonstrated understanding of classroom skills.
Students are evaluated on:
- Completion of assigned work
- Following project directions and requirements
- Quality, creativity, and effort
- Appropriate use of editing and design techniques
- Meeting project objectives
- Participation in individual and group assignments
Students may also receive occasional quizzes covering classroom lessons and technology concepts.
Assignments are posted in Google Classroom.
Late assignments may be submitted until the end of the grading period. Students are responsible for completing missing work.
HOMEWORK
There is no regular homework in Digital Media 104. You have plenty of time to complete ALL assignments in class.
Class time is provided for completing projects. Students are expected to use that time wisely and remain productive.
TECHNOLOGY & MATERIALS
Students will use school-approved technology and software. Programs may include:
- Final Cut Pro, WeVideo, and CapCut
- Tinkercad
- Google Workspace
- WordPress and Wix
- Digital cameras and video equipment
No textbook is required.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & ORIGINAL WORK
Students are expected to develop their own ideas and complete their own assignments.
AI-generated work may not be submitted as original student work unless specifically authorized for an assignment.
The purpose of this course is to learn how to create, edit, design, and solve problems using your own skills.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Digital Media 104 gives students the opportunity to work with technology in ways that are creative, practical, and challenging.
Students who listen, participate, follow directions, and make good use of class time will have the best opportunity to succeed.
You do not need previous experience to take this class. You do need to be willing to learn, work, and try new things.
JEFF RANOA
Digital Media & Technology
Black Mountain Middle School
www.itech104.com
jranoa@powayusd.com
