Apple Media lab - any suggestions?
I'm currently resourcing a new high school Film course, and will be requesting a Mac-based media lab. Does anyone have any suggestions about the most effective combination of hardware? I've got as far as thinking about 25 iMacs (with a MacPro for the 'teacher's console') all hooked up to an XServe. We'll likely be starting with iLife but will certainly need to expand to Final Cut Studio (or similar) and no doubt will be handling High Def video footage. At the moment this is something of a wishlist since it seems the course will be very well funded, if the proposal is successful.
All suggestions welcome.
All suggestions welcome.
Comments
I'm currently resourcing a new high school Film course, and will be requesting a Mac-based media lab. Does anyone have any suggestions about the most effective combination of hardware? I've got as far as thinking about 25 iMacs (with a MacPro for the 'teacher's console') all hooked up to an XServe. We'll likely be starting with iLife but will certainly need to expand to Final Cut Studio (or similar) and no doubt will be handling High Def video footage. At the moment this is something of a wishlist since it seems the course will be very well funded, if the proposal is successful.
All suggestions welcome.
Twenty-five is a large number, but if you're looking at twenty-five students in one class, it's nice to have one station for each student. I've taught in a lab with 15 desktops and things stay very busy.
Freezing problems aside (see the "New iMacs plagued by interface freezing issues" thread), I think the new iMac is a very solid machine for an introductory videography course. Get as much hard drive space as you can afford, as much RAM, and—ideally—the 2.8 Core 2 duo processor. If it means slimming down to 20 machines instead of 25, DO IT and convince the powers-that-be that an art and media class necessitates a lower student load for more individualized attention. If they won't go for lower numbers, remember that students can always join forces on a project. My experience is that most high school video work is collaborative anyway.
Having a Mac Pro as a teacher console is a super idea, as is the Xserve. However, if your school already has a central server, it's easy to access all of your Macs via file sharing and you can save a big chunk of change in the process.
You don't mention cameras and such, but I've found that poor sound wrecks many a student video project. Make sure that you get at least one camera that has XLR inputs, buy a decent boom mic and a nifty clip on, and start the kids out practicing with silent shooting.
Like anything teaching-related, the gear is less important than the instruction and the enthusiasm of the students.
I envy such a large lab and wish you the best of luck.
Twenty-five is a large number, but if you're looking at twenty-five students in one class, it's nice to have one station for each student. I've taught in a lab with 15 desktops and things stay very busy.
Freezing problems aside (see the "New iMacs plagued by interface freezing issues" thread), I think the new iMac is a very solid machine for an introductory videography course. Get as much hard drive space as you can afford, as much RAM, and?ideally?the 2.8 Core 2 duo processor. If it means slimming down to 20 machines instead of 25, DO IT and convince the powers-that-be that an art and media class necessitates a lower student load for more individualized attention. If they won't go for lower numbers, remember that students can always join forces on a project. My experience is that most high school video work is collaborative anyway.
Having a Mac Pro as a teacher console is a super idea, as is the Xserve. However, if your school already has a central server, it's easy to access all of your Macs via file sharing and you can save a big chunk of change in the process.
I envy such a large lab and wish you the best of luck.
Thanks for the supportive words, Sybaritic. I'm currently working on the 'production gear' side of things and will ensure that every camera has, as minimum, the option for an accessory mic. My school has a very well developed (Windows PC) network but I'm keen to keep the planned Mac lab as an independent island of creativity (and superior technology!). There's every chance my proposed budget will be cut back but at this stage I've been encouraged to dream big, so .....
Thanks for the supportive words, Sybaritic. I'm currently working on the 'production gear' side of things and will ensure that every camera has, as minimum, the option for an accessory mic. My school has a very well developed (Windows PC) network but I'm keen to keep the planned Mac lab as an independent island of creativity (and superior technology!). There's every chance my proposed budget will be cut back but at this stage I've been encouraged to dream big, so .....
Our situation is similar. We are a Mac island in a sea of PCs. Those of us who work in the arts insisted that students be fluent with the Mac platform, and parents as well as administrators and tech folks have been won over by our students' work. Stick to your guns and realize your dream.