The unpredictable fate for broadcasting students due to the pandemic

By: Merissa Alyea Binti Omar Ariff

The outbreak of the Coronavirus has severely changed the way university students learn to prepare themselves for their future careers. The vigorous spreading of the virus has left university students unable to attend physical classes.

Majority of university students from Taylor’s University have learnt to adapt to the change of learning environment since the outbreak of the virus back in 2020 However, most final year broadcasting students lack the confidence of feeling ready to take on the career world after they graduate due to spending the majority of their second year online.

Compared to other mass communication specialisations, broadcasting would be the specialisation that requires students to conduct more practical-based assignments with theory based-assignments.

“Having to do the majority of my second year assignments virtually has left me feeling insecure for my future career in broadcasting, as I personally feel I lack the practical experience of the subject,” said 22-year-old broadcasting student Kris Aiman

Lecturers have been forced to come up with substitute practical assignments that can be conducted virtually. Broadcasting students are finding it hard to have confidence that these substitute assignments would be enough to prepare them for broadcasting jobs.

“The subjects offered in broadcasting are very hands-on and practical, having direct interactions with people is a key factor that makes up our course syllabus. I do not see the effectiveness in conducting these assignments virtually asit goes against the whole idea of broadcasting,” said 23-year-old broadcasting student Muhammad Nabilfikri.

Being unable to carry out their practical assignments due to the Coronavirus restrictions has not only left broadcasting students feeling insecure about their skills but has also made them feel unmotivated to finish their degree as they feel that their virtual learning outcomes do not match the demands of the broadcasting field.

“I had so many ideas that I wanted to bring to life for my year two assignments, ideas that I am confident would have made my portfolio stand out when I applied for jobs in the future.I feel that the outbreak of the Coronavirus has snatched those brownie points away from me,” said Kris Aiman.

The change of learning scenery caused by the pandemic has left broadcasting students feeling anxious about their future in the working world. They have been left feeling as though their skills have not been sharpened enough to compete in the already competitive broadcasting industry.

On the other hand, broadcasting lectures from Taylor’s university are offering their students assurance by trying to prepare them as best they can for the working world given the ongoing situation.

Lecturers have worked tirelessly to come up with module outlines during this situation that they are confident will be effective to prepare their students for their future.

“Students are still given the opportunity to display their knowledge of broadcast language and practice.

Not having access to equipment does not necessarily put them at a disadvantage,” said Sanjit Randhawa, program director of Digital Media Production at Taylor’s University.

Kris Aiman conducting his practical broadcasting

assignment before the Coronavirus outbreak

(Source: Instagram @krisaiman)