Observation Experience

Standards Addressed : TA TEKS III, IV, X

Use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

Communicate information in different formats and for diverse audiences.

The video technology teacher has the knowledge and skills needed to teach the Foundations, Information Acquisition, Work in Solving Problems, Communication strands of the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in video technology, in addition to the content described in Technology Applications Standards I-V.
*****Appropriate use of hardware components, software programs
*****Use appropriate computer-based productivity tools to create and modify
*****Format digital information for appropriate and effective communication
*****Evaluate communication in terms of both process and product

My observation experience was one of real world application. I was given the oppportunity to visit the set of the Today Show in New York City during a live taping of the show. I was very fortunate as a teacher to experience what actually takes place in the area of video technology. Since this was a live show, many of the editing techniques were quite minimal. The most important techniques used on the set were those of video capture. The various uses and types of hardware were top priority becasue in essence they control how the actual show is viewed across the country. Camera angles, lighting, and zoom where the most widely used techniques for this particular taping. I was able to tinker with soem of the equipment and find out the expenses involved in purchasing and maintaining te cameras and lighting equipment. I met some of the most interesting people who actually work behind the scenes, but they control things such as set props, wardrobe, etc. I will value this experience so much because I know exactly how to prepare my students for the real world. Thanks to my cousin, Lloyd Boston, who serves as the Fashion Consultant for the show and who also appears on E's Style Network.I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to a taping of the Today Show in New York, City where my cousin ,
Lloyd Boston, is the Fashion Consultant. This was probably one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I actually
had the opportunity to look through one of the cameras while the show was filming and visit the editing room afterwards.

You may be wondering how this all came about in the first place. Well, I saw an opportunity to visit New York during
this past school year and made arrangements with my cousin to visit the set. I was just expecting to sit in the audience and
have lunch afterwards, but I was shocked to find that I would actually be beind the camera for a split second. Needless to say, the shows begin taping at 6:00 A.M CST, which is very early in NYC. This experience gave me the opportunity to actually see the camera equipment up close and personal. The cameras are very large and expensive. They range anywhere from $15,000 - $80,000 depending on the features. Most TV viewers don't realize that there are at least 2-3 cameramen on a set to capture different angles. What I found to be interesting is that cameramen on show sets are not paid as much as I thought. Their salaries range from $40,000 to $90,000 depending on the show itself and their experience. I found that the engineers are paid a great deal more.

After the taping, I had a chance to visit the editing room. Since these shows are live, there was not a great deal of work to do. What I was able to see was how they actually piece clips together for future viewing or use. There were also techniciams and engineers on site in case of technical difficulties. The basically sat in this room during the taping and when I came in they gave me a basic run through of what they do on a daily basis. I had a chance to edit a clip (although it was not from the actual taping) and view it.

Day 2 of my observation involved sitting on a director/producer and cast meeting. This gave me a chance to see exactly how the show maintains direction and order. This was a planning session to bring everyone up to date on future guests and show topics. During this meeting books were given out for an author who the show would be showcasing the following week. Bios and other pertinent information were also provided. The director basically managed the meeting and others were able to voice their concerns or problems. A viewer's letter was read which voiced a complaint about a set prop from a previous show. The viewer found a sculpture to be offensive. The team agreed to remove it. This meeting lasted approximately an hour (which was short from the expressions in the room compared to ther meetings). I realized that media people rarely sleep much and are always on the go as a result of all of the above. I have never had to walk and eat my lunch at the same time.