Communications
Build confidence and creativity this summer through communication programs at ÃÛÑ¿TV designed for students in grades 6–8.
These hands-on courses introduce key skills in storytelling, media, and public speaking in a fun, supportive environment.
Whether reporting a story, writing for the screen, creating audio productions, or developing presentation skills, students will learn how to express ideas clearly and effectively. Each course encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity—helping students find their voice while gaining practical communication skills they can use in and out of the classroom.
Week 1: July 6-10
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
In this course, students will explore the basics of journalism through interviewing, reporting, and story writing. They will learn how journalists ask questions, check facts, and turn information into clear and engaging stories. Activities will focus on fun, age-appropriate topics such as sports, news, and everyday events.
Week 2: July 13-17
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Students will learn how to build characters, shape scenes, and write dialogue for the screen. Through guided exercises and collaboration, they will develop their own short scripts and story ideas. The course is designed to introduce creative storytelling in a way that is both structured and fun.
Week 3: July 20-24
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
This class introduces students to storytelling through sound, voice, and performance. They will work together to write and record short audio pieces, learning how narration, character voices, and sound effects can bring a story to life. The focus will be on creativity, teamwork, and communication in a safe classroom setting.
Week 4: July 27-31
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Students will practice speaking clearly and confidently through short talks, group activities, and presentation exercises. They will learn how to organize their ideas, speak to an audience, and express themselves with greater confidence. The class is designed to make public speaking supportive, practical, and enjoyable.
Instuctor
Jason Spencer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications and AI, ÃÛÑ¿TV
Principal Inventor | AI/XR Systems Architect
6 Patents in Adaptive Learning & Narrative Intelligence Systems
Dr. Jason Spencer is an Assistant Professor of Communications and AI at ÃÛÑ¿TV, Principal Inventor of The Avatar Effect Framework, and a New York City-based media innovator working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, immersive media, education, and storytelling.
His work bridges 20+ years in film and television production with advanced research in AI, XR, virtual production, spatial computing, and adaptive learning systems. He has contributed to Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning projects with PBS, Ken Burns, Blackside Inc., Bravo, CNN, MTV Networks, Warner Bros., and E! Entertainment.
Dr. Spencer’s research centers on AI/XR systems that personalize learning, align curriculum with industry demands, and transform physical and digital spaces into intelligent narrative environments. His patent-pending Avatar Effect Framework includes 6 IP disclosures and 39 modular inventions filed through the Texas A&M Innovation Center.
He has collaborated with NASA and IEEE on simulation ethics, spatial media research, predictive XR telepresence, and AI applications in education and training. His immersive media work includes XR film and exhibition design for the Juneteenth International Museum in Galveston, Texas.
Across his academic career, Dr. Spencer has taught 30+ university courses in communications, digital marketing, filmmaking, social media strategy, XR storytelling, and AI-enhanced production, reaching more than 1,800 students. His teaching and research focus on preparing students for the future of media, communication, and intelligent creative systems.
Core Expertise: Communications and AI · Virtual Production · AI/XR Narrative Systems · Adaptive Learning · Curriculum Design · Digital Marketing · Social Media Strategy · Documentary Production · Reality Television · Post-Production · Spatial Computing · Generative Media · Immersive Learning Design