Digital Media Arts

Digital Media Arts

The Digital Media Arts Department cultivates the creative, technical, and communication skills of students through project-based learning and an emphasis on collaboration. Moreover, the curriculum choices reflect a nuanced understanding of the ISTE Standards for Students. The 7th & 8th grade classes such as STEAM Explorer and Creative Suites foster a sense of inquiry and experimentation with quarter-long courses that require no prerequisites. The 9th-12th grade classes focus on advancing the skill-sets of students. High school DMA classes are semester-long, may require certain prerequisites, and may not be offered every semester/year due to enrollment and scheduling needs.

Click on a course name to learn more about it.

DMA 7 – Students will develop relevant projects using Canva, WeVideo, and the Google Suite. They will also hone their creative skills and practice with Creative Commons/Fair Use content.

Innovation Design 7 – Innovation Design is a hands-on class where seventh graders explore creative problem-solving using a makerspace and a variety of STEAM resources. Students work collaboratively to design, build, and test projects that combine science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Through teamwork and experimentation, they learn how to turn ideas into real-world solutions. The class encourages curiosity, creativity, and perseverance while developing important skills like communication and critical thinking.

The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Explorer class for the 8th grade students is a quarter long class that  encourages creativity by presenting students with a problem or challenge that has many potential avenues, none of which are obviously superior to others. Students contemplate, design, build, and later explain a solution that complies with specifications. They will utilize the Maker Space and its resources for the projects such as green screen for movies, 3D design and printing, Cricut laser cutter, sewing machines, Spheros, Makey Makey, Google cardboard, Little Bits, and others.

Throughout a project, students are given time to explore strategies for modifying and improving their original ideas. Students are guided to discover which concepts and skills are relevant and how they can incorporate this information into the project.

At the completion of a project, students reflect on the math, science, engineering, art,  and technology connections that occurred. Students share connections to other subject areas, previous projects, and the world outside the classroom.

CS8 (Adobe Creative Suite) – Students will develop real-world, multimedia projects for outside audiences using Photo editing software, WeVideo, Canva, and the Google Suite. They will continue to advance their typing and computer skills as well.

Students must create a proposal for an individualized advanced course of study based on prior learning in the Digital Media Arts and Design program. This proposal must be approved by the teacher prior to the start of the semester.

**Advanced Independent Study will not be offered during the 2025-2026 school year.**

Prerequisite: At least two (2) Digital Media Arts Electives (Digital Photo I, Digital Photo II, AP CSP, Entrepreneurship, Intro to Business, or Digital Video) Credit: .5

Students will learn about the origins of networking and the Internet and the evolution of web-based tools and resources. Students will explore and learn how to evaluate various types of websites, particularly academic resources. Students will practice and develop effective and efficient searching skills, utilizing Creative Commons and copyright-friendly resources. Students will apply sound research skills in the creation of academic content. Students will examine current trends in online privacy and digital identity. Students will demonstrate responsible use of social and educational tools and resources. Credit: .5

Learn camera operation, shot composition, shooting techniques, color theory and an introduction to post-processing. Create a digital photography portfolio, written reflections and participate in photo critiques with classmates.
Credit: .5

Extended Photographic Project

A continued exploration of digital photography as a creative medium, utilizing advanced post- processing. A portion of class time is used to pursue themed photographic interests based on specific photography assignments while stressing critical thinking skills. Students will create their own photography portfolio to showcase their work and write blog posts of their best work from each assignment. Students are required to use their own (non-phone) camera.
Prerequisite: 75% or better in Digital Photography

Credit: .5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Business

This course will focus on similar content as Intro to Business, but at a more accelerated and advanced pace with higher expectations for students’ effort. Students will delve deeper into business functions and operations by participating in simulations that allow them to work and operate in a business model. Students will also gain real-world entrepreneurial experience by participating in Bloomsburg’s Shark Tank competition by creating and pitching their own innovations. Their contributions could very well be the next to change the world!

.5 Credit

This course emphasizes basic business functions and operations. Students learn about a world of opportunity in the business realm and the skills needed to compete successfully as consumers and future business owners and operators. Students gain real world experience as they explore units in financial planning, credit, savings and loans, accounting, advertising, marketing, investments, entrepreneurship, management, and career awareness.

Credit: .5

Did you ever want to become a movie actor? Or to direct a film? Maybe you’re a future Oscar-winning screenwriter. Learn the skills necessary to make a quality video. Learn how to effectively operate digital video cameras. Use video editing software to turn raw footage into a polished video product. You will learn camera operation and various planning, filming and editing techniques. You will also explore the many career options in the film industry.

Credit: .5