Arts go digital in new Mac computer Lab

Chromebooks are not the only computers students now have at their disposal—the brand new Mac Lab, located in room 102, made 20 iMac computers available for use when it opened
this September.

Music teachers Mr. Fabrizio and Ms. Mateyka, along with History and Special Education teacher Mr. McGlynn, all have classes inside the Mac Lab. They use web-based software to teach students different kinds of programs used in technology-based industries.

“We use video and audio editing, Adobe software and iMovie,” Mr. McGlynn said.

Students also use the apps iMovie and WeVideo that are included with the Mac computers.

Mr. McGlynn teaches Media Production, and his classes are based around TV studio recording and
podcasting. The Mac Lab is where Mr. McGlynn works on the morning announcements.

“For podcasting and audio recording, we set up two microphones so two people can talk at the same time,” Mr. Mcglynn said. “They talk into mics and get recorded through SoundCloud or iTunes.” Students can then upload their podcast for others to listen to.

AP Music Theory and Music Technology are based on creating music, film scoring and podcasting. These classes use GarageBand, which allows students to work with music sheets and to create their own music. There are also piano keyboards to assist in the production of music.

Students are happy to take advantage of the Mac Lab’s resources.

“I love the new Mac Lab,” junior Madelin Morales said. “I take AP Music Theory so I’m in that classroom a lot and it’s great. The pianos are super helpful when it comes to learning new concepts, and I personally really enjoy using the Macs as opposed
to Chromebooks.”

Future classes for the Mac Lab have not yet been determined, however, each teacher hopes to add something new to the Mac Lab and its purposes.

“I would like to have a piano class,” Ms. Mateyka said.

The new Mac Lab has opened up many opportunities for students this year, and it could also mean future new courses for West
Essex students.