About
What’s Up Wakefield’s first digital issue was published on November 25, 2007. Mr. Misuraca and Mr. Adriance, both teachers at Wakefield Middle School, collaborated to create the school’s first online magazine. The inaugural issue began with submissions from Mr. M’s class, but all students at WMS are welcome to join our team.
The Process:
We continue to refine our online publishing system and writing process. Students attend events and interview subjects. They then create a rough draft, have it peer edited, and then create a second. After the editor signs off on the final copy, the student fills out the necessary paperwork, submits the column online, and then files away the necessary forms and drafts.
Equipment/Technology:
I often use technology in my classroom, and have learned so much by visiting other websites. With the hope that this site will serve as a model for other schools, I’ve included a list of the technology we’ve used in the creation and maintenance of WUW.
- WUW is based on the WordPress platform.
- We purchase stock photography from istockphoto.com.
- The WUW webcasts are shot with a Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000.
- Pictures are taken using a Canon PowerShot SD450 digital camera.
- We use a Shure PGX24/SM58 Hand-Held Wireless System to enhance our audio.
- On Friday we review the week’s columns on a Dell 2400MP LCD projector and Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop.
- On Monday the articles are published using the classroom’s new Dell computer. Thanks PTSA!
With the exception of the classroom computer, all of the equipment and software we use is purchased by the advisors. The laptop, projector, cameras, and A/V equipment stay in the classroom 24/7, and remain available for student use.
Contributors:
Any student at Wakefield Middle School is welcome to contribute to our online magazine. If a student’s name, photo, audio, or video appear on our site, then a parent or guardian must sign a special permission slip. We always welcome new members!
Thanks:
Thanks to Mr. Crayton for supporting our endeavor. This project wouldn’t exist without the support and guidance of our teachers. Our WUW staff hold the responsibility for creating the magazine’s content and publishing it online. Lastly, thank you to those who support us by visiting the site!
