Highlighted Video
Students from France spent the day with MOLLIE making videos that are posted on youtube.com for their family and friends.
Go to YouTube.com and search grcommunitymedia to find videos made with MOLLIE by the French group as well as KidFilmmakers for Obama.
View the Video
MoLLIE Matinee
Tune into the weekly MoLLIE Matinee Tuesdays at 3:30pm on GRTV Cable Channel 25 to view MoLLIE productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I don't have time to teach a unit on video. I need to teach the Michigan Curriculum Framework!
- Why would I want to use video in my classroom?
- How many times will MoLLIE visit? How Long?
- What if I have a longer project in mind?
- How much does it cost?
- How can I pay for MoLLIE?
- Do the children actually handle the equipment?
- What if the kids break something?
- How can I apply for MoLLIE to come to my classroom?
- What elements should I think about when I am designing a project idea for MoLLIE?
- Can I see samples of what other teachers have done?
- Can you supply me with any teacher references?
- How can parents see the finished results of these projects?
- Can I get copies of the finished program?
- Who can I talk to learn more about this program?
- How can I get this kind of technology permanently for my school or classroom?
- Are their training opportunities for teachers for this technology? CEU credits?
- What if students want to do more with video? Can students be exposed to this technology anywhere else?
- What is the Community Media Center?
I don't have time to teach a unit on video. I need to teach the Michigan Curriculum Framework!
MoLLIE understands this. When we come to your classroom, The MoLLIE trainers take care of teaching the video production in the context of whatever unit you are studying. You should not think of this as a unit on video. Your students will be producing videos on whatever curriculum-mandated subject they are studying in your classroom.
Why would I want to use video in my classroom?
As a teacher, you know that if students are engaged, they will learn. MoLLIE is a highly engaging activity on many levels. They will be learning a software program, and new technology skill-sets. They will learn rules of aesthetics and they will be working as a team. They will be handling computers and camcorders. They will be expressing their creativity in a whole new way. Their self-esteem will be bolstered by the fact that their end product will be shown on cable TV. This technology often reaches hard-to-reach students. Video is fun!
How many times will MoLLIE visit? How Long?
This depends. Typically MoLLIE will spend 8-10 hours in a classroom. This is usually broken up into 2 or 3 days. It is possible to arrange a longer or a shorter experience depending on your budget and what you have in mind to do.
What if I have a longer project in mind?
We like longer projects. It is fun to see students gain more skills with more exposure. If we can schedule it and you can cover the co-pay, we're interested. Longer projects are more feasible if you can come up with a small grant to cover co-pay.
How much does it cost?
$145 per hour.
How can I pay for MoLLIE?
We can suggest many strategies... from students bringing in money from home, to bake sales to mini-grants. See the grant application instructions for suggestions.
Do the children actually handle the equipment?
You Bet! That is the whole idea. The kids will use their own ideas and their own hands to create TV programs. We supply enough equipment and a high trainer-student ratio to make sure that everyone has good instruction and an opportunity for hands-on.
What if the kids break something?
I suppose that could happen. As of this writing, in the 3 years we have been operating this program, we have no equipment damage by students participating in the MoLLIE project. We have found that kids are respectful of the equipment and there are rarely problems with misuse. Our equipment is insured for accidental damage.
How can I apply for MoLLIE to come to my classroom?
We have an on-line application. We recommend that you read through the instructions first and call The Project Manager if you have questions or if you want some help developing a unit.
What elements should I think about when I am designing a project idea for MoLLIE?
A MoLLIE team member will meet with you in advance of your project to help you design an effective plan. Working with video, it is easy to incorporate costumes, music, theatre, props and graphic images of one kind or another. Sometimes it is fun to choose a TV genre like game shows, news, commercials, talk shows, etc. Projects should incorporate a team approach. Skits or short movies are often feasible. We can also accommodate animation and time-lapse projects. Our experienced staff are brimming with great ideas that have a proven track record. We have plenty of examples that we can show you. We also have a pretty good idea of what doesn't work.
Can I see samples of what other teachers have done?
The best place to see examples is on GRTV. MoLLIE Matinee shows all the finished projects that we do in schools. If you live in the GRTV viewing area, MoLLIE Matinee is seen on Tuesdays at 3:30 on channel 25. We also have some examples on the web site. You can also look on the calendar for descriptions of current projects. If you would like to visit the MoLLIE office, they would be happy to show you examples specific to the subject you are teaching.
Can you supply me with any teacher references?
No problem. Send an e-mail to Project Manager Jeanne Welch: .
How can parents see the finished results of these projects?
For those in our viewing area, MoLLIE Matinee is a TV program that shows all the finished projects that we do in the schools. If you live in the GRTV viewing area, MoLLIE Matinee is seen on Tuesdays at 3:30 on channel 25. Teachers will be provided with specific playback times. You could have a premier party and play the finished projects on a big screen in your classroom. We also can supply VHS or DVD copies of final projects for a nominal cost for students to take home.
Can I get copies of the finished program?
Yes, VHS copies are available for a nominal fee. These will need to be arranged through the teacher on a single group order. Additional copies requested at a later time are available at a higher fee. Only participants may order copies and only of their own class projects.
Who can I talk to learn more about this program?
You can call the MoLLIE office. The phone number is 616-459-4788 x127. Jeannie Welch is the project manager (
How can I get this kind of technology permanently for my school or classroom?
Now that's the question you should be asking! We think these tools will eventually be indispensable for teachers. As of this writing, all Apple computers come with the iMovie software (our favorite) at no additional cost. Many Windows-based PC's either come with video editing software or it can be purchased inexpensively. New digital camcorders can be had for $600 or lower. Add a firewire cable and you are ready to go. The Community Media Center is interested in finding ways for schools to maximize their media technology. We would be interested in partnering on grants that could help buy equipment for your classroom or school. We're also happy to give our clients advice for their purchases. Call GRTV Director Laurie Cirivello at 459-4788 x101 or and we'll see what we can figure out.
Are their training opportunities for teachers for this technology? CEU credits?
MoLLIE occasionally offers teacher trainings through the KISD. For information on MoLLIE training and CEU credits through Kent Intermediate School District, contact Sue Porter at .
What if students want to do more with video? Can students be exposed to this technology anywhere else?
This technology is becoming more prevalent in everyday environments. If you have a home computer and a digital camcorder, you are most of the way there. For those that don't have these items or need technical assistance or higher-end equipment, GRTV, (an affiliate of the Community Media Center and host for the MoLLIE project) is a community asset that these students and their families will be interested in learning about. They can browse our website, or better yet, encourage them to come to a CMC Orientation. They are free and offered each month
At Orientation, they can learn all about GRTV's training and free lending of equipment for the purpose of making TV programs. GRTV lends out laptop computers and camcorders... the same equipment that MoLLIE uses.
What is the Community Media Center?
The Community Media Center is both a place... and a principle.
The place is the second floor of the beautifully remodeled West Side Library branch in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The principle is to build community through media... by providing you, the average citizen, with media tools, training, and transmission;
- tools for making media...
- training to use those tools and develop skills for making and interpreting messages...
- and transmission of your ideas and interests through broadcasting, cablecasting, the Internet and other emerging media venues.
The CMC is the umbrella organization providing development and support to the affiliates who live here: GRTV, WYCE, GrandNet and the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy.
The Media Center is a membership organization. One we hope you will consider joining so you can begin to become involved with our Affiliates and engage the community in a very exciting way.
For more information, check out the rest of this website or come to one of our monthly, free orientations.