Exploratory
Digital
Media
Try new tools. Make something. Notice what you learn.
One quarter / No experience required
This class is a creative sampler.
- 01Try images, video, sound, and design.
- 02Notice how media shapes attention and choices.
- 03Make and improve something of your own.
- 04Explain what you discovered and what you want to try next.
How your grade works
Your grade has two parts.
Projects
Projects, short responses, saved attempts, improvements, and reflections.
Creativity and Mr. Oxford's personal taste are not grading categories.
Daily Class Work
10 or 0
Earn the 10 by arriving prepared, using class time for the current assignment, following classroom and safety rules, and saving work or showing progress before leaving.
What stays fixed
Classroom Expectations
- Be On Time and Be Ready.
- Be in your assigned seat when class begins.
- Put Phones and AirPods Away.
- Keep them away for the entire class.
- Wait for Permission to Log In.
- Do not touch a computer until Mr. Oxford gives permission.
- Use Computers for Classwork.
- Stay on the assigned task.
- No Gum or Food.
- Leave both outside the classroom.
- Water Stays Sealed.
- Keep it on the floor.
- Use the Passing Period.
- Bathroom breaks are for emergencies.
- Bring Everything You Need.
- No in-and-outs during class.
Use the studio responsibly
Use computers for classwork. Ask for specific help.
- 01Use your school account.
- 02Stay on the assigned task.
- 03Protect other people's privacy and files.
- 04Save work in the assigned place.
When you are stuck, say:
- I am trying to…
- I already tried…
- This happened…
- I need help with…
Bring access, equipment, privacy, or safety problems directly to Mr. Oxford.
Your first creative introduction
Begin with a Mandala.
- Show something you enjoy.
- Show something you care about.
- Show something you want to learn or make.
- Show a strength you bring to a group.
Use words, colors, icons, patterns, or symbols. Do not include private information. You may keep it private or share one chosen part. Artistic skill is not being graded.
The Social Dilemma + Protect Us
Notice the design. Pause before you respond.
- the behavior a platform wants;
- the design choice that encourages it; and
- who benefits when it works.
If an online situation becomes threatening, sexual, manipulative, or unsafe:
- Stop responding.
- Do not pay, forward, repost, or investigate on your own.
- Contact a trusted adult or the school reporting route.
Your first small project
Make one clear message.
- 01Choose an audience.
Who is this for?
- 02Choose the message.
What should they understand or feel?
- 03Make a first version.
Use paper or the approved digital tool.
- 04Change one thing.
Save both versions and explain what improved.
Trying, noticing, and improving are the work.