Reel Work’s runs a special program known as MediaMKRS, which is a partnership between media companies, employment unions and The Mayor’s Office to train, credential and prepare talented young New Yorkers for careers in media and entertainment.  

At the center is a platform of Digital Badge Credentials for Technical Skills and Workforce Readiness. Learn more>

The Challenge

In the spring of 2020 MediaMKRS invited us to take on the instructional design of their digital badging program. They had developed an industry relevant curriculum to teach work readiness to program participants, but the nuts and bolts of hosting a digital platform where learners could log in, complete courses and earn credentials had become a pain point. In order for this blended learning initiative to work, they’d need technical insights and guidance from someone in the field.

“Shortly after we began implementing an instructional design plan for MediaMKRS in Canvas LMS/Badger, the pandemic hit and suddenly all of their training programs—blended or otherwise—needed to pivot to the online space."— C.A.Long, MFA

Since that time we have developed digital learning solutions for their digital badge programs, distance learning initiatives and custom clients like HBO & QuickFrame.

The Learner

Learners for MediaMKRS and Reel Works are generally between the ages of 17-21. The majority are based in NYC and may be finishing up high school or already in college. It was important to make sure any edtech used in the digital courses were accessible for the most general use laptops. Most of the learning curriculum centered on video production workshops and general professional development (work readiness).

The Solution

Driven by a students first approach, we ensure that digital learning experiences across programs at MediaMKRS are tailored to student needs. In addition to building out course pages in the Canvas LMS and providing recommendations on digital learning best practices, we facilitate training sessions and demos to program instructors and curriculum managers.