Liberty students produce and question in digital communications

Courtney Elrod, standing, emphasizes a fact on an iPad at Liberty Middle School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Living in the digital world will broaden for students in Courtney Elrod’s digital communications class at Liberty Middle School.

Previously, Liberty freshmen could enroll in a broadcasting class. However, Liberty Principal Nelson Brown and Elrod decided ‘digital communications’ better encompassed their vision for the class. Seventh- and eighth-graders now can enroll for a yearlong elective.

“Digital communications will teach students to research, inform and connect with others using technology,” Elrod said. “I want my students to provide our school and local community with information, but I also want them to get a global perspective and become productive digital citizens.”

“Being a digital citizen is more than just knowing what not to do with technology. It’s about using technology both effectively and appropriately … and about digital etiquette,” she said.

iPads, laptops, cell phones and social media like Twitter, blogs and Google+ will be their primary tools. Elrod expects they will discover more.

The digital communications class will produce an eight-minute morning show for all Liberty students. Students will film and edit in advance with announcements for athletics, clubs and items on the lunch menu, along with character education themes.

“We’re excited to add character education, without taking up too much instructional time,” Elrod said. The class hopes to expand the ‘quote of the day’ to a weekly Twitter conversation.

They will video chat with broadcasting professionals across the country. “So far, we have a news producer in Denver, Colo. and a chief meteorologist/anchor in Lubbock, Texas who have kindly agreed (for) interviews about their careers,” Elrod said. She plans to resume a Skype project with historical figures.

Students considering a career in journalism or communications can realize varied perspectives, Elrod hopes.

Elrod sees great potential by giving students the needed support and access. “Once we become acquainted with resources and each other, I hope to foster a collaborative environment — not a class composed of teacher and students but a class where we’re all learners.”