If you haven’t visited Waianae High School’s Searider Productions program, you’re missing out.

It’s as high tech as any newsroom I’ve ever worked in, and the kids are learning great multimedia skills for life on some of the fanciest equipment professionals can get their hands on. (Read our coverage of Searider Productions here.)

Apple (as in Mac vs. PC) gave kudos to Searider Productions this week for its implementation of Apple products in education by naming it an Apple Distinguished Program. A press release from program director Candy Suiso is below.

The Waianae High School’s Searider Productions (SP) program today announced it has been named an Apple Distinguished Program for its use of Macs, MacBooks, iPads, and software, including iOS 5, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Garage Band, Soundtrack Pro, Motion, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. 

Through the implementation of Apple technology, students have been provided with innovative and highly interactive learning opportunities that focus on mastering contemporary digital media and computer technologies. Students are able to explore areas such as video production, internet journalism & social media, graphic arts & design, 2D & 3D computer modeling, and interactive media creation & design. 

“The overall goal of SP is to increase the number of youth entering and succeeding in upgraded digital media arts education and training programs in high school and college and to ultimately prepare them to succeed in related professional industries,” said Candy Suiso, Searider Productions executive director. 

The program combines elements of cultural outreach and enhanced instruction that involves students in practical, real-world learning situations and hands-on enterprise. This enables students to gain the necessary skills and awareness that prepares them intellectually and socially for success in school, work and life in today’s global society. 

The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that are recognized centers of educational excellence and leadership. The selection of Wai‘anae High School’s Searider Productions highlights its successes in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful, innovative implementations of technology. 

Professor Dolores Foley, an evaluator of the program concluded, “Searider Productions is an exceptional program. It develops a mentoring culture and a supportive environment while creating high professional expectations. The interviews, focus groups and observations revealed engaged and skilled students. Participants report changed perceptions about themselves, others and their future possibilities. We found many students transformed by their experience in these programs.” 

A key organizing principle is the integration of real-world work assignments into the learning experience and formal curriculum. Students have had the opportunity to work on projects for private, public and non-profit organizations including the new Disney “Aulani” hotel, Hawai‘i Institute for Public Affairs, Hawaiian Electric, the City & County’s Rail project, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education and more. Students have also entered various digital media contests and have been recognized nationally and locally for their work.   

Currently, the Searider Productions program provides digital media training for teachers and students across the state. The digital media training curriculum has been standardized so that teachers are able to easily incorporate the different strategies and techniques into their own curriculum. Additionally, the program now includes a digital media mentoring program for students to better prepare them for higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship in digital media industries.  Student mentors from SP conduct training sessions throughout the school year and are able to provide technical support and assistance to teachers, students, and staff. 

Although the Searider Productions program is constantly growing and incorporating new and innovative approaches to stay current, it always remains true to its original roots and its ultimate goal of preparing students for success in school, work and life. Through the implementation of innovative Apple technologies, students are able to showcase their digital media skills and are better prepared for higher education, employment and entrepreneurship in digital media-related industries.