Amherst Community Education to hold technology courses

Amherst Community Education will hold a selection of technology courses open to all district and out of district students entering grades 6-12.

Rob Zdrojewski, a technology teacher and director of Tech TV at Amherst Middle School, will teach the class.

Classes will meet in Room 110, Amherst Middle School, 55 Kings Highway. Space is limited, register early to reserve a place. Cost is $40 per session.

The following two courses will be offered:

Digital Video Production

Why watch TV shows this summer when you can create your own? Students will create "green screened" video productions that have the look of network TV. Working in teams or individually, students begin by selecting topics of their choice. Next, projects are assembled using Adobe's Visual Communicator software. Using green/blue screen technology, used in Hollywood movies and weather newscasts, students can appear to be recording from any location. Students will add special effects, video clips, and music, to create professional quality video projects. At the completion of the course, students take home a DVD containing projects made during their session. Visit www.Amherst- TechTV.org to view sample student projects in the Streaming Video Showcase.

LEGO Robotics

Engineering

Students will design, build and program a robotic transporter. Each student will use a robotic kit containing an RCX microcomputer body, motors, sensors, and hundreds of LEGO accessories. Training begins with simple programming to make the robot move around the classroom. As students become comfortable with programming, the training will progress to a higher level. This allows for flexibility no matter what prior experience the child has with LEGOs. At the end of the week, parents are invited to watch a friendly robotics competition, where prizes will be awarded in various categories.

All courses meet from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Video Production will be offered during the following weeks July 9-13; 16-20; July 30-Aug 3; and Aug 6-10. Robotics will meet July 23-27; or Aug 13-17.

Visit AmherstTechTV.org for more information.