Journalism and mass communication (JMC) students are shouting, “Lights, camera, action!” after the Teaching and Learning Grant Program helped fund new video equipment this fall. The grant comes as part of the historic Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond comprehensive campaign, designed to ensure The University of Olivet has the resources to provide an unrivaled education to both today’s and future students.
Three digital cameras, four light kits, two green screens, two tripods, XLR cables and new microphones are helping to prepare Comets for a variety of video production careers. The equipment enables students to work hands-on with technology similar to the equipment used in today’s professional studios. This semester, students in the JMC 300: Video Production course are the first class to utilize the new equipment.
For junior Hayley Cooper, the new equipment arrived at the perfect time. Hayley is preparing to graduate in May 2019 and plans to focus her career in video production. “Being able to work with all of the new equipment has given me opportunities that I would not have had otherwise,” she explained. “I can now confidently say that I have some background in video production before going off to grad school or going into my career.”
Equipment isn’t the only new thing in the JMC program this semester. Daine Pavloski ’13, assistant professor of JMC, joined the full-time teaching faculty this fall. He brings expertise in writing and video production, and is teaching three video, broadcast and photography courses this semester. Professor Pavloski was motivated to return to OC because of the individualized attention and personal relationships he built with professors as a student. Now, he wants the opportunity to do the same for current students.
“Upgrading the equipment we have available to our JMC students not only enriches their time and opportunities here at Olivet, but it sets them up for success in the future,” Professor Pavloski said. “The cameras and equipment we have now are reflective of those currently used in the field for professional journalists, film makers and content creators, and that will give our students a huge advantage as they move on from The University of Olivet.”
Professor Pavloski’s teaching philosophy is to begin at step one. Rather than expecting students to have a background in video production, Professor Pavloski makes sure to teach basic vocabulary, the basis for a great video, and how to set up the equipment before expecting students to dive into filming. Once students learn foundational skills of planning, shooting and editing, they produce practice videos with classmates, before putting their skills into action at campus events and conducting interviews with members of the college community.
“Incorporating modern technology into my teaching is extremely important, especially in the JMC program. You have to be up to speed and knowledgeable of every single thing, whether it be a new camera, a new piece of editing software or a new social media platform,” Professor Pavloski explained. “Being able to use and teach our students using current, up-to-date technology has not only energized our program, but it’s energized me and I’m extremely excited to see what kind of content our students can produce moving forward.”
Sophomore Ashton Osborne was worried she might struggle in her classes without any previous video experience, but is happy to say she was wrong. “The new equipment for the video production class has been very helpful. I knew nothing about how video cameras, editing software, light kits or green screens worked before I took this class,” she admitted. “It’s very beneficial to me because I get to learn the basics of how the newer technology works, which would not have been as achievable on the previous cameras. They used tape, which makes it hard to transfer over to equipment used in today’s workplaces. Having the new equipment better prepares me for a potential job after graduation because this is the equipment that professionals will be using.”
Video production courses are just one of the areas of focus within the JMC program, in addition to a curriculum that prepares students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, marketing, public relations, editing and more. Check out the program for yourself by scheduling a campus visit or applying. Connect with the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more about OC.