Winners Announced for 2020 BPM Student Challenge
The 2020 BPM Student Challenge has been judged, and the first and second prize winners have been chosen. It was a tough decision with many excellent entries in a wide variety of formats and media - websites, videos, written work and even a painting. In addition to the 1st and 2nd prize winners, the judges have also selected six Highly Commended entries with links to their work below.
Entries were required to address the question:
Your media life under lockdown - was media useful or a distraction?
And the winner is:
Elke Koehn from Wakatipu High School - Year 12 
Prize - $1,000
The winning entry is a 17 minute video called 'TikTok isn't a waste of time', in which Elke explains the power, versatility and usefulness of TikTok during lockdown.
The judges said:
"This video was the most enlightening of all entries, as it presented new information and perspectives. We learnt a great deal about TikTok, which we had previously dismissed as being rather sallow and short-lived. Even though we still reserve doubts about the transformative possibilities of any technology, there does seem to be something in alt-TikTok.
This entry prompted the most reflection for us. Technically, it could have been better (lighting, wearing the microphone) but we think that content is its primary strength. Elke acknowledges all her sources."
Congratulations Elke!
The win means that Wakatipu High School wins the school prize of $500 for its Media Studies Department. Hopefully it goes towards some video equipment rather than a night out for the teachers!
Here's a link to this excellent video. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ALbBUdGgxp8
2nd prize goes to:
Sophie Stalker from Cashmere High School - Year 13
Prize - $500
Sophie wrote an excellent essay called 'Media Mania'.
The judges said:
"A sophisticated essay with well-developed arguments, which we could regard as higher-level under-graduate, rather than high school level. With references to including Nicholas Carr, Amy Morton, Marshall McLuhan and the nucleus accumbens, Sophie draws together a compelling argument. We think there are sufficient personal musings to balance the more theoretical material. Excellent writing."
Congratulations Sophie!