F E AT U R E
Shan-Lee Liu:
Giving Students the Power of Digital Media
T
wo years ago, Dr. Shan-Lee Liu took a one-day seminar to learn about a creative software product she might use in teaching her five classes of Mandarin Chinese at BLS. She heard about an organization—Adobe Youth Voices—that provides free curricula and tools for educators to inspire young people to create digital media on issues they care about.
“I applied for a grant,” she explains, “and Adobe provided several thousand dollars worth of software that is being used by BLS students to facilitate self-expression and creativity. A local company donated several computers and I chose to put them in the library where all students can use them. It is helping our students develop presentation skills through digital media, collaborative projects and the development of 21st century technology skills.” In recognition of her accomplishments at BLS, Liu has been chosen as a Lead Educator for Adobe Youth Voices—one of only 26 teachers in the United States to receive this honor, and one of only 90 teachers worldwide. She is also the first language teacher to have been selected as a Lead Educator.
recently entered into a partnership with Pearson Publishing Company, a leader in the educational field that works with faculty members in schools throughout the world to improve student achievement and institutional effectiveness. Pearson is one of the world’s largest creators of content for educators. By connecting students and teachers to innovative and personalized teaching solutions, Pearson expands access to technology and increases affordability. “I will be developing an online course that will help students everywhere learn how to make strong presentations with digital media,” Liu explains, “and my connection to Pearson will help ensure that teachers and students around the world will have access to this course.” Liu’s work is providing valuable skills for BLS students. “Presentation of ideas in clear and compelling form is an important part of the college experience,” she notes. “It is equally important for 21st century workers.” By taking her expertise in digital media beyond BLS and into classrooms around the world, she is setting a positive example for other educators and positioning the School as a technology leader.
She heard about an organization—Adobe Youth Voices—that provides free curricula and tools for educators to inspire young people to create digital media on issues they care about. She has also had the opportunity to become an Adobe certified associate. “I had to take a test to show that I was competent with Adobe software,” she comments, “and I am now certified, which means I am qualified to teach students, who will then be certified. It looks good on a resume and gives the students a chance to earn money for college or to have a well paying summer job.” Liu
Spring Bulletin 2013
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