Dave Chaimson, Vice President of Global Marketing for Sony Creative Software, presents Sony’s integral applications in the classroom.
ESD: It seems that every day, a strong foundation in technology becomes more important for students preparing for successful futures. What does Sony Creative Software offer to help students develop an understanding of computers and multimedia?
DC: Sony Creative Software applications make professional and entry-level multimedia technology accessible to the new user, so even elementary school students can begin learning about video, audio, music creation and production. No matter which path students choose as they leave school and begin their careers, a foundation in multimedia technology can be a powerful tool to help them communicate their ideas more effectively in a variety of disciplines.
ESD: What differentiates Sony Creative Software applications from other programs teachers may be considering?
DC: Certainly our breadth of products and Sony’s expertise in content creation technology. We have a complete line of software for video, music, audio and DVD creation that’s tightly integrated with Sony’s line of cameras and computers. Also, all of our products are designed to work together and feature a similar interface so it’s easy to move from one product to the next. Our professional applications are used extensively in the video and recording industries worldwide. In fact, Sony Vegas Pro was recently named ‘Best Professional Video Editing Software’ by *Videomaker* magazine and also was selected as ‘Best Choice’ by *Student Filmmaker* magazine at the National Association of Broadcasters show in April.
ESD: Does Sony Creative Software offer support tools and training for teachers?
DC: Absolutely. We have a dedicated Web site for educators with curriculum ideas, case studies and helpful product information. For our professional products, we offer hands-on training DVDs called ‘The Seminar Series.’ We also have a detailed curriculum guide for Vegas Pro software called Digital Video & Audio Production. Additionally, our home studio products feature our exclusive ‘Show Me How’ interactive tutorials that provide step-by-step help that shows you what to do while you work on your project.
ESD: Are these applications currently being used in schools?
DC: Yes. Sony Creative Software applications are currently an integral part of the curriculum for thousands of schools worldwide and adoption is growing daily. One of my favorite stories is about a teacher in Monona, Wis., that uses our Vegas Movie Studio software to teach French class by producing video clips with French subtitles that students can use to practice their language skills. Another way schools learn about Sony Creative Software applications is by participating in our contests specifically designed with schools in mind. The most recent were two video production contests: the Technology in Motion student film contest and the Cyberbullying Awareness Public Service Announcement creation contest.
ESD: Tell us more about the Technology in Motion student film contest and the Cyberbullying PSA development contest.
DC: We’re excited to be announcing the grand prize winner of the Technology In Motion contest here at NECC 2008. The contest was open to all U.S. high schools, with participating schools receiving a free, promotional edition of Vegas Pro 8 software and training materials to create their films. Hundreds of schools signed up for the contest. We asked a panel of multimedia experts to narrow the film submissions down to three finalists and placed the top three films online for public voting. The PSA contest was designed to raise awareness of the issue of cyberbullying and was developed in partnership with the Ad Council and National Crime Prevention Council. Technology literacy teacher Marvin Jimenez was the winner in the K–12 category.
ESD: Where can interested teachers learn more about Sony Creative Software?
DC: Visit us at www.sonycreativesoftware.com/education or stop by booth 9054 here at NECC 2008.
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