Clients had the opportunity to comment on the PSA after the showing. Each client also was given six copies of the PSA and instructions on how to contact television stations to air the piece. Clients have included a local chapter of the Audubon Society, the Orange Countv United Way, the Durham County Health Department and the North Carolina School for Science and Math. The course has been taught four times, and student satisfaction has been high. From a practical standpoint, students say they feel the course has given them a good hands-on leaming experience.
Students also have a tape that they can include in their portfolio when interviewing for a job.
Conceptually, the course has broadened the students' knowledge about and understanding of visual media. They enjoyed seeing their ideas turned into a polished, finished product. Perhaps the biggest surprise to students was the number of hours that went into production and post-production to turn out just 30 seconds worth of videotape. The first time the course was taught, some students complained that the editing time was too compressed, leaving little margin for error. Post-production work has now been pushed back a week, giving each group more time in the editing tab.