Greg Smith

Shot Used for the Cover of
a Video Yearbook CD

The Northside Team is on the Case

Another Side of the Team

MediaStudio Helps Students Preserve Memories - Video Yearbooks
Yearbooks have traditionally been the best way for students to remember their school memories. Now with the growing popularity of digital camcorders and digital cameras that take video, video is becoming just as common as photos. With the help of MediaStudio Pro, Ulead’s professional video editing software, Greg Smith of DeSoto Independent School District in Texas, hopes to start a new trend: the video yearbook.

As Greg explains, video is a dynamic medium for preserving memories, "Rather than creating a typical hard copy yearbook with still shots, we compile a storyline with moving video."

Each school event is captured in still shots and video. Then, Greg and a project partner spend more than 200 hours compiling, editing and cutting video clips until they have a production that they are proud to share. Both students and teachers are eager to see the final production and watch themselves and their friends on the big screen.

"Many tears were shed and laughter echoed throughout the gym when we showed the presentation," Greg fondly recalled.

Students are inspired by watching the video yearbook. So much so that many graduates return to volunteer for projects for the next class. Some even decided to pursue a newfound interest in multimedia.

"Multimedia is a necessity in the classroom," asserts Greg, "Even in elementary school I think students can begin getting a direction for their career."