Students have recently been getting a lot done outside of class in the marketing communications program. In the past when work spilled over into our breaks and home time, we had at least covered the work content in labs and lectures. For instance, if we were instructed to produce a magazine ad, we would be shown in class how to use the necessary software.
What’s unique about this year is that we are forced to go out into the world and actively learn something on our own. An example of this is the production of print media. Although we are taught how to digitally construct ads, the act of printing them has been left entirely up to us. I think this is a beneficial concept to us students, as we could all use a lesson in proactivity and personal accountability.
Then again, it’s not like BCIT has completely thrown us to the wolves. Fortunately there are on campus services that offer students support for these sorts of tasks. MediaWorks on the BCIT Burnaby campus is one such service. MediaWorks assists students to:
- Create PowerPoint presentations that include graphics and video
- Scan slides, photos, and artwork
- Create images in PhotoShop
- Burn CDs
- Plan, shoot, and edit digital video
- Laminate and dry-mount posters
- Duplicate audio and video materials
Although these skills are not specifically taught in my program, they are essential components of many of our major term projects. I recently had a tour of MediaWorks and am look forward to getting involved, which will be easy considering their service is free (with the exception of materials). What other forms of services do you think would be beneficial to post secondary students?
