Vanessa Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth's "Media Maniacs" is a program for second through fifth grade gifted students and involves the formation of a video production company. The project helps students creatively develop videos using current technology, problem solving skills, teamwork, leadership and all areas of language arts. Students select a job within the company and interview someone in that field. They use the information from the interview to play their role in planning, recording and editing a film that highlights the school, its students and programs. The final product is shown in the school lobby for all students to see and is shared with the local Chamber of Commerce. Actively engaging in specific roles to produce their own film allows students to learn real-life skills in relation to the application of technology, as well as language, math and social studies skills.