Scotch College Media Class

SpaceDraft was introduced to the curriculum at Scotch College for Years 9-11 Media in 2019. Since then, we have been working closely with Media teacher, Nicole Spanbroek, in developing the software and its application to Media Studies.

How SpaceDraft works

Students who work in groups are able to effectively communicate what they are imagining, with each other. When they have a clear group goal, they are all deeply invested in seeing it through to a successful end. They can plan within the space they want to shoot in and plot movement of the actors and production crew. This helps immeasurably with working out the logistics of shooting a film outside of the classroom.

Why SpaceDraft works

For enthusiastic young folk, who were excited to jump in and create films, the storyboarding process dampens their positivity, rather than encouraging it. However, planning is so vital in ensuring a production is successful, so teachers have to push students to complete this phase of their projects. It was often hard for them to make the connection between their paper trail of planning and the film they had in their mind’s eye.

Favourite features

All of it! If I have to choose… blocking movement that plays in real time, the scrolling script, the ability to access Google maps for any location, online collaboration so students (and teachers) can contribute to the planning phase wherever they are.

Measurable benefits

The students’ enthusiasm for executing their projects builds throughout the planning process. They are better organised for their shooting sessions, which ultimately means they have more time to perfect their shots. The editing process is very effective, because the students have a shared understanding of what the final product should look like, whether they are working with others or individually.