If you spend a little time in Jim Meta’s Technology and Media classroom at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly—creativity is everywhere!
Over his many years with Olentangy Schools, Mr. Meta has been many things to many students. A self-taught technology guru, he created and led 8th Grade Eagle News, teaching students media production and storytelling, and organized the annual Hyatts Film Festival, showcasing student-produced short films and memorable student lip-dub projects. And his impact extends well beyond the technology classroom! Mr. Meta has volunteered his time to direct and produce Hyatts’ middle school plays and musicals, giving students another creative outlet to discover their talents. Now, he’s adding something new to the list—a Marketing Club that will give students even more opportunities to explore their interests and develop real-world skills.
Today, his classroom focus has evolved to modern technology that challenges students to solve problems, think creatively, and turn their ideas into something real.
Mr. Meta recently invited OEF into his classroom to check out his new “Make It Real” fabrication studio, made possible through an OEF Grant generously sponsored by Fanning Howey. The studio features a new color laser printer and CO2 laser cutter/engraver that allow students to take a project from digital design all the way to a finished product.
Students are already creating school merchandise, graphics, stickers, awards, keepsakes and other unique items while developing skills in design thinking, media production, entrepreneurship, marketing and project management. Mr. Meta even shared some student-created designs they hope to sell to help purchase additional materials for future projects.
When asked about the ultimate goal behind all of this technology, Mr. Meta’s answer was simple: “To encourage the student to get creative, solve a problem, and create something they can be proud of.”
That philosophy seems to be at the heart of everything Mr. Meta does. Whether he’s helping students produce a newscast, create a film, perform on stage, develop a marketing idea or turn a digital design into a finished product, Mr. Meta is always finding new ways for students to create, explore and discover what they can do.
If you’re at Hyatts, make sure you swing by Mr. Meta’s classroom and check out what his students are creating!
A special thank you to Fanning Howey for generously supporting this OEF Grant and helping Olentangy students turn their ideas into reality!