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The HSU Digital Media Lab (DML) specializes in helping students and faculty create video, audio, photo, and web-based projects. We have equipment to borrow, including cameras, microphones, virtual reality goggles, and many accessories. We also have computers with production and editing software available to all students, all day (located in the Library Makerspace, third floor of the Library).
The DML also offers instruction on learning and managing the equipment and programs needed to create digital media projects. Through regular SkillShops and special events, the DML is the place on campus to learn about digital media.
Interested in assigning digital media projects in your class? Not sure where to start? Looking for some inspiration for new ideas? The DML is focused on promoting hands-on connected learning experiences where students learn how to communicate using digital media, moving beyond essays and multiple choice to gain experience in creating their own interest-driven projects to connect with the curriculum.
Contact us to learn more and consult with Tim Miller, the Digital Media & Learning Librarian: tim.miller@humboldt.edu, x4959.
Choosing software that your students can access and use to meet the learning outcomes for your course can be tricky. The DML has created a toolkit to help you with this process, called Using Free & Open Tools. This toolkit guides you through the process of selecting software that your students can use to create digital projects including innovative projects like virtual reality. This toolkit helps you to focus on the learning outcomes for your course instead of getting lost in the weeds of a specific technology or medium. Often, the best option for your students and assignment is not what most folks will say is the best option for that particular medium.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the projects that we've worked with faculty and students on in the past:
This short video was created to help KC students create Google Slides presentations on the fly while researching local historical artifacts in the Humboldt Room.
Are you trying to go beyond the basic PowerPoint presentation? Creating a video from a slideshow is a quick and simple way to move from the traditional classroom presentation to a virtual conference. We can come to your class to teach about how to create a video using PowerPoint and some basic video software like Camtasia (which is available on all campus computers).
We also offer Camtasia, Google Slides and 'From Slides to Video' SkillShops at various times throughout the semester. Check the calendar to see what's available or contact skillshops@humboldt.edu to make a request.
Many faculty have assigned audio projects for their courses, from short 30-second public service announcements to longer form podcasts. Through one-on-one consultations, the DML has helped students with these assignments by showing them how to find and use openly-licensed audio clips, audio editing software, and our microphones and digital recorders.
The Podcast Basics asynchronous Canvas SkillShop allows students to learn how to use an audio editor (Audacity, which free and open source and is also installed on campus computers and vLab) by recording audio and using openly licensed music and audio clips.
We often offer a live SkillShop, 'Editing Audio with Audacity.' Check the calendar to see what's available or contact skillshops@humboldt.edu to make a request.
Ditch the expensive textbook that never met your needs and have your students develop a collaborative online textbook. There are a variety of platforms, from Google Drive to WordPress to GitBook, your students will walk away with a deeper connection with the content and the ability to publish online.
Your students can create online exhibits with the wonderful primary sources in the Humboldt Room using Omeka, the web publishing platform the Library uses for our special collection projects.
We offer workshops on using WordPress, Creating Online Portfolios, and the basics of HTML/CSS/JS to help your students create on the web. Check the calendar to see what's available or contact us at skillshops@humboldt.edu to make a request.
Students have been excited about the Insta360 One X, a 360-degree camera that makes it simple to create, edit and publish an immersive spherical video that puts the viewer in the center of the action. Take a look at the video below using a Google Cardboard viewer (available for checkout at the library) using the YouTube app or watch on your desktop to see a quick sample of students during a SkillShop.
We offer ongoing 360-degree Video workshops at various times throughout the semester. Check the calendar to see what's available or contact skillshops@humboldt.edu to make a request.