Digital Media Design

In this academy, students learn about various aspects of the field. These include print media (newspapers and magazines), digital media (online journalism), broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. Much of the school year is also devoted to compiling and developing the school yearbook, as well as producing daily announcements for campus. Students’ communication skills will be reinforced through their junior and senior year English courses.

The Digital Media Academy provides students with the opportunity to unite their creative abilities and communication skills through the exploration of writing and photography, as well as videography and digital design. The students will learn photography, layout & design, and interviewing skills. The students also learn to use various Adobe programs, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Audition, and Premiere Pro. They are then able to receive industry certifications for each of the programs they test on.

A large part of the Digital Media Academy consists of producing the school’s yearbook, The Pride. The students construct a yearbook theme from scratch that the staff focuses on throughout the year. The yearbook covers all school events, athletics, academies, and clubs. This in depth look at the year gives students the opportunity to become more involved with VHS, as well as its students and staff. Creating the yearbook allows students to perfect their media skills, including photography and interviewing, to use in their future.

Students will also be able to be a part of various video production projects on campus, including football games and other school hosted events. These events allow students to learn hands on in real world environments that will prepare them for careers in media. The jobs that are essential to the Digital Media Academy require dedication and time management; however, the end product is worth all of the hard work.

All of the Digital Media students are required to take an Adobe Certification Exam at the end of their course. Our students also have valuable online resources such as Gmetrix.net and ACATestprep.com, which are the industries online leaders for preparing students for the (ACA) Adobe Certified Associate Exam. Each Student can also receive college credit for each passing certification through the American Council on Education (ACE).

Students who complete all 3 courses with an A or B, pass at least one Adobe Industy Certification Exam, and complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours in the program will qualify for the CTE Pathway Scholars program. These students will be recognized for their hard work and receive honor cords for graduation.

About the teacher: My name is Megan Licciardello and I am happy to call The Villages High School my home away from home. This is my tenth year teaching at VHS, but first year teaching the Digital Media Design courses. I have a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication from the University of Florida. I have worked in several news stations in Florida and Georgia as a broadcast news anchor/producer/reporter. Through my work at these stations, I have learned a lot about broadcasting and honed my skills as a broadcast journalist. My passion for the industry and love for sharing it with others is what makes my love for teaching continue to grow. I am happily married to my husband Ben and have three children, Benny, Jules, and Lochlan, who all currently attend VCS.