Posted January 23, 2026
At Media Now, you don’t just take a class—you immerse yourself in it. Whether you’re a storyteller, a visual artist, or a strategist, our specialized tracks are designed to give you professional-level skills in just a few days.
Where do you fit best? Explore our 2026 courses:
- The Content Creators: Social Media, Motion Graphics & Multimedia Storytelling for Web
- The Storytellers: Writing (Essentials & Advanced)
- The Visuals: Photography & Design (Essentials & Advanced)
- The Broadcasters: Video Production & Sports Journalism
Design
Instructor: Carlos Ayulo
Our Design course benefits designers at all levels. Learn core design principles and master Adobe’s software as you create impactful print and digital media, like social graphics and flyers. Beyond software, you’ll learn how to improve your workflow with advanced tools, enhancing your creativity. All in all, you’ll strengthen your abilities and take your designs to the next level.
Specific topics that will be covered include:
Principles of design
Elements of design, including how to create a style guide with color palettes and typography
Grids, alignment and structure
Content-driven design
Trends in graphic design
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator tips
Editorial Leadership
Instructor: Sarah Nichols
Our Editorial Leadership course strengthens teams and improves output through communication, motivation, and innovation. Leaders of all levels will discover best practices for workflow, management, and coverage. Most importantly, student leaders will leave with the “why” and the “how” along with at least two practical and applicable digital media elements to implement for the upcoming school year.
Motion Graphics in After Effects
Instructor: Anna Steenson
Ready to make your own animated graphics? Our Motion Graphics class is for you, no matter your experience. Perfect for those who are also interested in video, social, or broadcast, you’ll learn After Effects, create custom animations, and leave with portfolio-ready work. It’s hands-on, so come ready to learn and build!
Photography
Instructor: Gary Hairlson, Kelsey Kremer
Jump into the world of photography with our comprehensive courses, designed to cater to all skill levels. Choose between our Essentials path, perfect for beginners and those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge, or our Advanced path, for photographers seeking to master advanced techniques and creative storytelling.
Careers in Communications
Instructor: Maddie Hiatt
Love journalism? Let’s explore careers beyond the newsroom! Think PR, marketing, social media – all using your storytelling skills. In this course, you’ll dive into different fields through daily field trips and talks with communication pros. See how journalism translates to real-world jobs. Plus, you’ll learn ways to boost your own program. Finish by creating a project about your dream career path.
Social Media
Instructor: Chris Snider
Learn to plan, strategize, and create engaging content beyond just photos. In this course, you’ll explore which platforms reach your audience best and how to build a content calendar for consistent success. Dig into analytics to refine your approach, as well as develop a comprehensive social media plan tailored to your school, staff, and goals. Through fieldwork and trips, you’ll gather practical experience and create content for your portfolio and future social media plans.
Sports Broadcasting
Instructor: Michael Admire
Have a passion for the game? Our Sports Broadcasting course blends writing, social media, and video skills. Learn to conduct interviews, cover live events, and craft compelling stories, from game previews to profiles. You’ll put your new skills to the test with Q&A sessions featuring real sports reporters, and through fieldwork and trips, you’ll create a complete coverage package to showcase your abilities.
Video Storytelling
Instructor: AJ Chambers
Master the creation of engaging audio and video content for your publication with Video Storytelling. This course will guide you through in-class content creation and equip you with a strategic plan for implementing these tools throughout the school year. Learn to connect with your target audience through diverse formats, including short-form video, traditional video, and live broadcasts.
Multimedia Storytelling for Web
Instructor: Maddie Hyatt
Learn more about web publishing with the SNO Websites course! Explore layout, design, and digital newsroom structure. Learn workflow strategies and online publishing standards, shaping content with new tech. Ideal for teams or individuals, this class requires school website access (SNO, WordPress, etc.). Don’t have access? No problem! We’ll cover site setup and newsroom management, ensuring you progress, regardless of your starting point.
Writing
Instructor: Mitch Eden, Courtney Crowder
Unlock your potential as a writer with our comprehensive courses, designed to empower you at every stage of your writing journey. Choose between our Essentials path, perfect for building a solid foundation in journalistic writing, or our Advanced path, for those seeking to craft compelling narratives and elevate their storytelling skills.
Yearbook
Instructors: Sarah Kirksey, Jonathan Hall
Our Yearbook course focuses on concept development, coverage strategies, and building a positive staff culture, helping you plan a yearbook students love and staff enjoy creating. Learn to effectively use online content and social media to engage readers. Ideal for groups of 2-5 students per school. Limited to the first 10 schools, so register early!
Advising Publications
Instructor: Aaron Manfull
Energize your year! Join veteran adviser Aaron Manfull as you walk through how to improve systems and find new ideas for your newsroom. Manfull, with experience across all media types, will address your specific needs, focusing on five key areas for efficient and successful programs:
- Developing plans for organized intro classes and staff hours
- Making grading easier
- Using AI effectively in the classroom
- Exploring ways to help fund newsroom tools, equipment and experiences for your students
- Recruiting to build and maintain programs
If you’ve decided what class will be your best fit, make sure to register before seats are taken!
