2009 TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE -  KEYNOTE SPEAKER

"Digital Movie-Making in the Classroom"

April 3, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  (Central Time)
Battle Ground Academy
Franklin, Tennessee

Marco Antonio Torres
Media Artist and California Teacher
of the Year for Creative Curriculum
Keynote Address       Workshop Description

Marco Torres brings the complexities of movie-making and the teachings of film school to an accessible level.  Movie-making skills are some of the most important for today's learner because they require students to develop a wide range of skills needed for both academic and professional success - such skills as idea production, teamwork, persuasion, visual communication, empathy, sympathy, project management, marketing, systems thinking, technology integration and hard-core creativity.

In order to produce movies and multimedia projects effectively, there must be a structure in place to maximize the use of time and the quality of work.  As a classroom teacher, Mr. Torres has created an internationally recognized program around the concepts of innovation, networking and marketing.  His projects, systems, workshops and tips have been sought after by individual schools, school districts, universities, governments and businesses that are looking for new ways to improve the quality of education in our country.

Because of the tremendous communicative power of technology, teachers can turn their classrooms into studios, stages, and community access points.  Student projects do not have to end when they are turned in to the teacher.  They can grow, expand, and have a life outside of the classroom.  As Mr. Torres continually reminds his students, all of their projects must have wings - they must be able to fly outside of the classroom.  The world is their stage. 

Mr. Torres' workshops are practical and easy to follow.  They demonstrate the academic strength of visual communication while at the same time they contribute to student empowerment and community inclusion.  Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the WHYs and HOWs of movie-making in the classrooms.

Multimedia is a language students come to our classes already "speaking."  We can help build for them the right spaces for creating, sharing, and broadcasting their ideas.  There are quick and effective ways to both encourage and energize the experience of a learner using the tools provided by the digital environment.  Multimedia and movie-making have been effective channels for students in an economically disadvantaged community, and they can be equally effective for all students.

 It can and will work for you.  Give it a try. 
Lights, Camera... Learn!