School applications have real world use

 

By Jennifer S. McDonald

C & G Staff Writer

     College isn’t the only place where fundamentals of graphics and design are taught, learned and applied.  Middle school classrooms are using technology to give students a leg up on future competition.

     Using the newest equipment, students at Baker Middle School are discovering how to apply computer and communication skills by simulating the process of an advertising agency.

     Previously working to design a shirt logo and a program cover for Baker’s 50th anniversary celebration, Laura Glish’s computer classes are on the go. 

     “We try and come up with anything that is a real-world thing that isn’t a fake project,” Glish said.  “They put a lot more effort in it when they know it’s going to be used, and as a computer assignment I think that’s an added incentive.”

      Seventh- and eighth-grade students in introduction to computers and computer applications classes teamed up to market their own products. 

     Some worked to design a unique shirt logo, while others worked to create a program cover.  For this purpose, Baker Assistant Principal Mary Haezebrouck became the customer. 

     “I wanted to have a cover that represented ‘the old Baker’ from 50 years ago, as well as Baker today,” Haezebrouck said. “The covers were excellent. We had a hard time selecting one over the others.”

     Her expectations included specific information, the audience, and the intended “look and feel” of the cover.

     “It teaches them communication skills with their teammates. It produces skills to sell their product to their client and computer skills to do a project that has meaning,” Glish said.

     A rough draft of each project was displayed in the hallway where 40 kids offered constructive criticism. 

     Students were able to take these tips and incorporate them into their final design if they wished. 

     Final designs were displayed on the wall and students voted on the top four. 

     Before the projects were taken to the client, Barbara Monaco, account executive for Meridian Advertising in Troy, met with students to give them an inside look at the world of advertising. 

     The top four groups orally presented their projects to Haezebrouck, Larry Hahn and Janet Dalley. 

     “It displays a picture of Baker from 50 years ago and today,” Haezebrouck said.  “Students had to create a cover using techniques learned, how to present their finished product to a client, and then actually doing the presentation. Students dressed up in professional clothes for their presentation.  Once the first-place winner was selected, they had to be willing to make further adjustments according to my needs.”

     Winners of the program cover included Todor Mitevski and Mohammad Abbass. 

     Winners for the sweater logo contest were Marisa Freiberger, Paige Montana and David Regan. Their logos will be combined in the final production.

Glish’s computer classes will also tackle the advertising objective for a small business in Warren that hosts fishing trade shows, Rozko Inc.

     “They will produce a brochure that describes two products that will be distributed at a trade show,” Glish said.  “It is the same assignment, to create it, edit it and present it.”

     You can reach Jennifer McDonald at jmcdonald@candgnews.com