"The more technologies there are, the more teamwork you will need," she says. "But the core thing is: how efficient is your team?"
Hyper Island’s approach is unconventional but effective, says Antonio Raul Ceballos, an Interactive Art Director student who attended Boston University before earning an M.F.A. from Howard University.
There are no teachers, textbooks, or tests. Instead, students talk to industry professionals via Skype, an online phone and video service, and use cloud computing services like Google Docs to collaborate on projects.
"We look at how technology is affecting and influencing different areas, and how people are adapting to it," Ceballos says.
While Hyper Island is a digital school, its classrooms are not outfitted with the latest in education technology. Students bring their own computers, and the school provides cameras, lighting studios, and a broadband connection. They find all other digital technology on the Internet for free.
"We want to show them that anyone can start their own company. If they have to buy all this software, it’s a big investment," Frelin says. "We show them where to find the tools."
Because tools change as quickly as students learn them, Hyper Island encourages students to pick one and experiment, then move on to another without hesitation, she adds.
"Just jump into the digital pool,” Frelin says. "In the worst case you get wet, but hey, how bad is that?"
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