Non-Linear Editing
Comm-175-01
With Professor McLaughlin
By: Ariana Pagan
We are all aware that “pictures speak louder than words” and that effective visual communications can convey highly influential messages,” as described by the National Library of Medicine.
Nestled within the Department of Communication at Olivet Nazarene University lies a class that opens the gateway to a realm of creativity and technical finesse – the Non-Linear Editing class. This foundational course, led by Dr. Heather McLaughlin, is not just about mastering Adobe Premiere software; it’s about honing the craft of storytelling through the lens of digital editing.
In a recent interview with McLaughlin, she shared insights into the essence of the class.
“We teach the basics of editing software, focusing on the grammar of editing – the rules that make a ‘good edit,'” she said. “Students learn how to manipulate mood, energy, and vibe, blending technical skills with aesthetic sensibilities.”
- Things you learn in this class:
- Pre-Production
- Storyboarding
- Script-writing
- Production
- Camera (video and photo)
- Equipment responsibility
- Filming
- Post-Production
- Video Editing
- Audio Recording and Editing
- Adobe Premiere
- Pre-Production
The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:15, and is a vital component of every multimedia communication major’s coursework at ONU. Situated in the video/computer editing lab, Benner Room 204, this space becomes a playground for budding storytellers, where creativity knows no bounds, as “Video editing allows you to address imperfections and polish your video to perfection,” as said in an article on Medium.com.
Reflecting on her favorite aspect of the class, McLaughlin’s passion for nurturing students’ confidence shines through.
“I love seeing students who have never edited before grow and become confident by the end of the semester,” she said. “My goal is to push and challenge every student to unleash their full potential.”
Yet, every journey has its challenges. According to What is Editing from MILNElibrary.edu, “Editing is a very labor intensive job in movie making with a certain amount of stress with having to meet a deadline.”
McLaughlin acknowledges the technical hiccups and procrastination pitfalls students may encounter.
“We learn from the struggle,” she said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. “But in the end, it’s worth it all. High effort, high reward,” she said.
The class’s curriculum is meticulously designed to lay a solid foundation for students venturing into the world of media production.
“It’s a 100-level course because it’s foundational,” McLaughlin said. “Students learn core concepts of video editing, preparing them for more advanced coursework.”
Students enrolled in the class give further insight into the transformative experience it offers.
Gabe Meinart took this class in fall of ’23. He said that “non-Linear Editing was a journey of rediscovery for me. Despite my prior experience with filmmaking and content creation, the class challenged me to relearn basic concepts and push the boundaries of my creativity.”
Here is Gabe’s final project; a music video, filmed and edited by him.
DJ Hicke is currently taking this class and echoes similar sentiments.
“Non-Linear Editing has been a captivating experience. From learning the technical intricacies of Adobe Premiere to crafting compelling narratives, every moment in the class is an opportunity for growth and exploration,” he said.
As Olivet Nazarene University continues to nurture the next generation of storytellers, the non-linear editing class stands as a testament to the power of creativity, technical skill, and storytelling prowess. With Dr. McLaughlin’s guidance, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, where every edit is a stroke of artistry, and every project is a testament to their growth.
Below are photos of the work that can be put into filming a video.
I also took this class during Fall 2022, the video below my final project for the class.
In addition to the non-linear editing course, the Communication Department at ONU offers other foundational courses essential for budding media professionals. COMM-105, Fundamentals of Communication, delves into public speaking and interpersonal communication, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Meanwhile, COMM-171, Fundamentals of Radio/Beginning Announcing, equips students with the principles and basic skills of broadcast audio equipment operation, announcer performance, and writing, laying the groundwork for a career in radio broadcasting. Together, these courses form a comprehensive foundation for students pursuing careers in media and communication.
This class is very important to each multimedia communications student. It shows and teaches you the basics of something that you can utilize forever: video and audio recording and editing. Even if you are not a ‘videographer’, or you rarely video content, this skill-set is such a good skill to have; it can open the door for a lot of opportunities.
