HISD’s Education Technology Department is looking for aspiring cinematographers and animators of all ages to help educate their peers about the importance of staying safe online.

The Digital Privacy, Safety & Security Moments Video Campaign challenges students to create 60 to 90-second public service announcements (PSA) that focus on particular issues, such as how to avoid “phishing” scams, when it’s okay to use free Wi-Fi, and what not to share on social media.

“Our goal is to build a library of these ‘safety moments’ that faculty and staff all over the district can use to educate families,” said Education Technology Manager Anne Boothe. “Principals can show them at PTA meetings and teachers can play them in the classroom. It’s even conceivable that they could get national exposure, since the campaign is co-sponsored by the Future of Privacy Forum, which is providing the prizes.”

Students can work by themselves or in teams, and may submit as many videos or digital animation shorts as they would like. All submissions will be entered into a random drawing, and one from each age group (elementary, middle, and high) will win a $200 gift card.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016. Details can be found in this flier (.pdf). A list of topics is here (.pdf).

Questions and submissions may both be sent to EdTech@HoustonISD.org.