Like most universities across the country, URI transitioned to online learning for all courses held during the three summer 2020 sessions. This decision caused many departments to rethink the way they traditionally teach classes. URI’s Film/Media program, for example, had to make considerable changes to the courses they teach for the Talent Development program. Established in 1968, URI’s unique Talent Development program offers Rhode Island resident students of color and those from disadvantaged backgrounds special admission to the university. As per the program’s requirements, incoming students must complete summer courses before starting their studies in the fall.
While running film courses completely online may seem an impossible feat at first thought, the URI Film/Media program is keen on adapting to ever-evolving times. “In order for us to make FLM 110 successful on an online platform, we started by returning to the core learning objectives of this introductory production class while leveraging cutting-edge software to allow for these objectives to be met,” Dr. Rebecca Romanow, director of the program, explains. “We chose a blended model for this course, which allows for both asynchronous learning happening at each student’s own pace and also meaningful virtual face-to-face collaboration [via virtual small groups].” For the course’s production components, they utilize the Adobe Rush program, which Dr. Romanow describes as “an end-to-end technology that both transforms a smartphone into a fully featured cinema camera and also allows for high-level scaffolded editing, culminating in the use of the Premiere Pro Non-Linear Editor.”
But what about other film production resources that students attending in-person classes have been able to take advantage of in the past? The Film/Media faculty have their bases covered: “While the Adobe Rush workflow allows for professional level control of a smartphone, it is the smartphone production kits that will empower students to execute filmmaking on a high level,” Dr. Romanow says. “These kits—which are sent to every student—include a smartphone tripod, microphone, cables and adapters, and provide students with camera support and tools for high quality audio capture. The kit also includes a flash drive with exercise files so that students won’t have to rely on their home internet speeds to download the high-quality files associated with production exercises.”
Despite the unprecedented situations students and faculty may find themselves in this summer, Dr. Romanow is confident that students are reaping the same benefits from online learning that they would from taking in-person film classes. “Particularly with production courses, we are always developing new ways with new technology to teach students the fundamentals of making and creating a film,” she says. “In these courses, [students] tell stories, think creatively, and gain a deep understanding of production workflows, software, and exposure. These skills are meaningful for any major and will provide a powerful foundation in all creative disciplines. And—yes! Your smartphone is a powerful camera and editing tool, and students are learning to create, shoot, and edit professional film, all while working with a wonderful student team of colleagues and collaborators.”
~Written by Chase Hoffman, Writing & Rhetoric and Anthropology Double Major, URI Class of 2020
