Coronavirus Information
Media Commons will be operating under restrictions meant to limit transmission of this virus until otherwise announced. During this time, many of our resources remain available for remote access. Information about tools, training and technology that will operate under the same conditions as normal, those that will move to remote alternatives and a handful of others that will be temporarily unavailable can be found on this page.
Further details about University-wide monitoring of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on other aspects of our community can be found using the button below.
Consultants Are Standing By
We’re here to help: Media Commons hotline will be operating under normal hours while the University is closed for in-person business. Inquiries received outside these times will be handled in the order they were received, usually in one day.
Phone
866-266-7496
Chat
lower right corner ↘
mediacommons@psu.edu
Hours for all options: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-9:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm-9:00 pm
Service + Resource Availability
University Park
Available
✓ Video editing workshops + consultations (via Zoom for Adobe programs)
✓ Audio recording/editing workshops + consultations (via Zoom for Adobe programs)
✓ Spark workshops + consultations (via Zoom)
✓ Portfolio workshops + consultations (via Zoom)
✓ General storytelling workshops + consultations (via Zoom)
Unavailable
✗ One Button Studio appointments
✗ Classroom visits
✗ Office consultations
Commonwealth
Available
Unavailable
✗ One Button Studio appointments
✗ Classroom visits
✗ Office consultations
✗ In-person storyboard reviews + rough draft critiques
Get Yourself Connected
The University has a standard video conferencing platform that is free and accessible to every Penn State student, faculty and staff person: Zoom. Zoom makes it simple to connect from wherever you are to anyone, anywhere. You can use Zoom on your personal computer, tablet or phone – or launch it from many lab and classroom computers that feature audio and video capabilities.
Audio + Video Editing
While access to Media Commons editing stations may not be possible, many of these tools are available for download to a personal desktop, laptop or tablet – even mobile phone.
Premiere Pro
Final Cut Pro
Free Adobe Software
Penn State students, faculty and staff have access to all of Adobe’s software – from photo editing powerhouse, Photoshop to video editing tools Premiere Rush and Premiere Pro to design tools like Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat – all free of charge. These applications allow everyone access to computer lab software anywhere, anytime.
Storyboard Review + Rough Draft Critique
Although these sessions are commonly offered remotely already, many classes may be transitioning one or both to a remote model. Check with your consultant for specific details for your course, especially if you are switching from an in-person option.
Storyboard Resources
Getting Started
Scanning Storyboards
Grading + Feedback
Rough Draft Resources
Uploading Drafts
Grading + Critique
Adobe Spark Resources
For those creating web pages, online video posts, social media content and more, Adobe Spark is a great, cloud-based option. With access to just a browser, students can leverage powerful design and editing functionality with little knowledge of coding or high-end software. Spark is available, also, as apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing editing on the fly wherever one happens to be.