Tyler R. Smith

I am a geek at heart. My research interests are documentary film, visual anthropology, media in culture, diversity in media, and media ethics. I especially enjoy using the camera as a research tool.

I began teaching in 1997 as a graduate student. Since then I have taught documentary film and television production, communication theory, research writing, and basic composition courses at Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University, the University of Utah, and through various community outreach and children's art programs.

I have worked in the media production field as a freelance camera operator, production assistant, and editor since 1996 doing sports broadcasting, documentary film production, and production management.

My classes are experiential and hands on. Students learn to effectively use aesthetic theories of visual imaging and sound throughout the video production process. Students learn to become active viewers of visual media, rather than mere passive receivers of information. As students participate in coursework, they become media literate and begin to broaden their knowledge, think critically, communicate effectively, and grow through ethical considerations and civic engagement.