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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Michael Piotrowski wanted to give students in his Advanced Media class some hands-on experience in doing interviews in a live setting.
So he brought four of them and a camera Friday to the New Jersey Education Association Convention, where they got to shoot from a bird's eye view in a giant crane; interview teachers, the Cat in the Hat and staff from NJTV; and learn about what goes on at the convention.
"It's giving them experience in thinking on their feet, and being able to ask follow-up questions based on what the person they are interviewing said," Piotrowski told The Press of Atlantic City (http://bit.ly/1w0jhOH).
It also gave the Absegami High School students some experience in rejection, as they discovered not everyone wants to be interviewed, even by enthusiastic high school students.
"We just smile, say thank you, and move on," said Arielle Schafer, 16, a junior at the school.
Piotrowski said students also attended the convention in 2011, when they interviewed broadcaster Soledad O'Brien. Based on that success, they worked with Kathy Coulibaly from the NJEA to make a return trip. They followed press protocols, checking in at the designated media room, and getting their official badges for Gami TV.
Senior Gabrielle Ojeda, 17, said the day was an experience in being able to quickly adapt to a situation.
"I'm learning to come up with questions right on the spot," she said.
"And we're learning what it's like to be on the spot, and if you make a mistake, you just have to keep going," said senior Domenico Sframeli, 17.
Schafer said after years of having the two days off school, it was interesting to come to the convention to see why schools are closed, and what goes on at the event.
"We're getting the inside scoop on what teachers are doing on our day off," she said.
Piotrowski said the students will edit their interviews and show segments on Gami TV. They can also develop news packages and portfolio work they can submit for college applications.
All four participating students said they would like to go into some media field. Both Danielle McNeil, 17, and Schafer said they are interested in sports broadcasting. McNeil would like to work for a network or ESPN.
"Being on the spot is pressure, but in a good way," McNeil said.
"We're athletes, so we can relate," said Schafer of their interest in sports.
Sframeli said he likes editing, but would also be interested in hosting a radio show.
Ojeda would like to be a news reporter or anchor.
"I enjoy being out on the field," she said. "But I like to edit behind the scenes, too."
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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.), http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com
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