SYN: Radio | TV | Online | Print

SYN = radio, TV, print, web, events,

SYN = real, relevant and authentic learning

SYN = a brave new world of media learning for schools

Join the success of SYN

Launched in January 2003, SYN is proudly Melbourne's only independent youth media organisation.

SYN is unique in that its education and training program is delivered via peer-to-peer learning. The current team of SYN trainers is uniquely positioned to offer fun, committed and exciting programs. Our current trainers are all aged between 16 and 24 and are at the forefront of digital media making, creation, story-telling, blogging, radio-making and TV making.

SYN is committed to:

• providing a relevant voice for youth as creators, not consumers, of media
• delivering dynamic, hands-on media training and education
• providing access to media learning for as many young people as possible
• re-engaging disaffected students in learning
• connecting students with their community

SYN has a range of activities and programs that provide unique learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds and skill levels. Our programs teach digital and multi literacy to young people from Victoria, providing a hands-on way of learning that engages young people, as it is becoming clear that more and more young people are disenfranchised with traditional forms of education.

Why not sample SYN's media learning offerings by bringing your students to SYN for an excursion?

Radio Tour @ SYN

Students visit SYN in Melbourne and see a youth media organisation in action. They are guided in preparing and producing their very own radio program, something young people at SYN are doing every day. ($8 +GST per student)

SYN Education in 2009

Check out the new SYN Schools Website for online audio video and education resources.

SYN's media learning programs are moving into the digital future in 2009 with the addition of digital learning programs including podcasting and video blogging.

Young people are increasingly consuming new media, and in line with SYN's “creators, not consumers” philosophy, we have been creating great online media for over two years now.

Our new media experience will be offered to your students in a range of comprehensive programs that teach creative and practical media making skills.

The following programs will be on offer in 2009:

’Detention’ Live Radio

Try out our new Detention resources for teachers and students at the SYN Schools Website.

A popular SYN program that puts students to air on SYN for one hour each week, developing radio production and presenting skills with the aid of an experienced SYN trainer. This is accompanied by a comprehensive teacher resource to help incorporate this program into your class assessment.

Duration: 1 term. Capacity: 25 students.

Podcasting Workshop

Students learn how to record and edit their own audio package, and then publish it on our website as a podcast. Includes a class set of microphone equipped headsets.

Duration: 1 day. Capacity: 25 students.

Video Blog Workshop

Students learn how to record and edit their own video blog, and then publish it on our website. Workshops are adapted to the learning level of your class: Years 7-9 or 10-12, VCE or VCAL.

Duration: 1 day. Capacity: 25 students.

Web Publishing Space on SYN.ORG.AU

Upload student created content to our upcoming new website, an audience-supported interactive digital platform.

Duration: 1 semester. Capacity: 25 students.

Live@Lunch

A live lunchtime radio show at your school! Experience what it takes to put a radio show to air. Production and presentation by your class, aided by a SYN trainer and technician.

Duration: 1 hour set-up, 1 hour broadcasting. Capacity: 25 students.

Special Packages –

Detention Plus

This program is one term of Detention Live Radio plus a day long Podcasting workshop in class during the term. Students' media products are able to be published on SYN's website. This program can be delivered Victoria-wide. This program includes a teacher PL component. Capacity: 25 students.

Student Media Moguls

This program is one term long, and involves students on-air each week for a two hour live radio show and three workshops in class throughout the term. Students' media products are broadcast on SYN and new media products are able to be published our website. This program includes a teacher PL component. Capacity: 25 students.

Teacher Professional Learning

SYN is committed to developing the skills and knowledge of teachers who are involved in delivering our media learning programs. In 2009, SYN will be offering teacher PL that focuses on new media and using the online environment to create real and relevant media products in the classroom. We will also be offering PL and support materials for our Detention programs that provides teachers with resources and skills to get the most out of your students on-air ‘Detention’.

Funding Opportunity

Government schools and community organizations can use funds from the Department for Victorian Communities' Advance grant to fund SYN media learning programs. This non-competitive grant of $9725 +GST is made available to all government school campuses in Victoria to fund community linkage programs.

SYN is a community organisation that has had great success as an Advance community partner. Students undertake media training and link with a community of active young people, and SYN provides comprehensive support for the coordinating teacher to ensure the grant's requirements are easily met.

Talk to your principal today about your school's 2009 Advance grant.

For more information about SYN's education and training offerings and cost structure, please get in touch with SYN Training and Development Manager, Nicole Hurtubise: training@syn.org.au