<-- back

GCMW 205 - Digital Video for Multimedia former student comments about this class:

I feel very fortunate to have taken your class. You did take time before I actually enrolled to explain what Palomar (you) can offer me and you kept that promise.

As far as the projects, each were absolutely great. My favorite was Green Screen. At the beginning I was not sure about it. As I got into it and fully understood the concept and camera usage (this time it was necessary) I was mesmerized. The creative end of all the projects enables each student to show you what they can do and forces them to embrace something new and different which is not a bad thing. – C.D. F08

I think it was good that you just blew threw the material to give us as much hands on time as possible. I also liked the way that you would help us by physically showing us. Another thing I liked in the class were the tools that we started off on. I think they are absolutely the basics and its good that you taught us them first. I also really liked the cardboard demonstration of the tools.

I also really liked your energy. You really knew your stuff and it showed. The way that you showed the material made me really interested and I actually liked going to class. Overall I think your class was awesome and I learned a lot. – J.H. F08

First of all, I'd like to say that, in my opinion you're a brilliant man whose very much up to par when it comes to the latest about his craft. I really enjoyed your class this time around because I thought the projects enabled me to have the freedom to create, which is what I do best. You are friendly to all who enter the domain. You are pleasant and reasonable, this is apparent because, if you were not, you wouldn't have us writing this article, which shows that you are being completely open minded as to how you may assist students further, and that says a lot about your character.

Everyone in this class seemed to be pretty happy with how you were trying to accommodate them, even those dirt slow and frustrated, particularly myself. And this was greatly appreciated... I learned a lot BUT I believe I could have learned even more if I had a better foundation, but it would require more patience and even more effort on your part. (Not to say that you don't put a lot of effort already.) J.C. F08

I enjoyed being given the challenge to make something out of what could have been bad footage, as much as some people might have complained about how down it was to make a [9/11 memorial video.] I truly enjoyed it because I felt like I was given a true project that could happen in real life, where somebody gives you what they got from the field and you have to make something good out of it... Also at the end I felt that I wanted to make the best video possible to honor the people involved in that event.

[Compositing tricks and proper use of Nesting] were a few things that I didn't learn in my other Final Cut Class that a was glad to learn here.

I truly enjoyed working on the green screen project. Whenever I work in a project like that I feel that there’s no limits to what I can do and accomplish... Also I was glad that we got to touch on how to work with Apple’s Motion, it sure helped me with the project and really made me want to learn more about it. Over all I had a really good time in class and I truly hope I have a chance to take another class with you, thanks for your knowledge. – J.G. F08

The instructor taught all the lessons in each section as required in the curriculum. But not all the students managed to understand every lesson or assignment, especially me. So the teacher would give explanations to clarify for each student. This one-on-one help allowed students to catch up with class assignments and not fall behind.

A second benefit from this class was the drilling advice from the teacher to have a good working knowledge of the keyboard command shortcuts. This allowed students to work easier, and much faster which also cut down the length of work to a minimum.

Students helping students. When the instruction from the teacher was finished, the information may not have been clear to some students. However, other students may comprehend better, and be able to help out their neighbor. This can be so helpful before and during the final project which demands each student have a complete understanding of Final Cut Pro before they are able to apply their knowledge to their work.

Have more hands on camera time. I needed more practice preparing green screen shots, operating the camera successfully, and working with Final Cut Pro. – M.N. F08

The first thing I took away from the class is: how to make quality equipment purchases. Day one alone was packed with information that is essential in knowing what to buy within your budget.

I didn't care too much for the green screen, but I did like learning to set up lighting. Also... I enjoyed working with equipment other than my own... Also during that time I learned that I need to learn more than video editing (Photoshop, Motion, etc.).

Multi-camera editing was also a great experience. I now use my zebra pattern when I shoot video. There was more that I took away from the class. From my perspective, the 911 project and the multi-camera editing were the most beneficial projects. – D.B. F08


Assistant Professor Mark Bealo
Palomar College Graphic Communications
1140 West Mission Road • San Marcos, CA 92069
760.744.1150 ext. 2958
mbealo@palomar.edu