U of L offering micro-credential pathway into new media

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 22, 2022.

The University of Lethbridge is ready to roll out its new program geared at giving learners the skills to thrive in the booming film industry and digital media here in Alberta, debuting in January 2023.

The new short-term micro-credential offerings are designed for flexibility. Students can take any of the five new modules separately, gaining badges of recognition, or taken as a cluster to achieve a Foundations of New Media Certificate of professional development. Programs will be offered exclusively online through the Department of New Media in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

On Tuesday a webinar was held to discuss the new course and explain how the program will look for those thinking of signing up.

“We want to introduce you to the specific classes, and then provide answers to your questions,” said Leanne Elias, chair of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University, during the session. “We realize these skills are in high demand, but not everyone wants to be a full-time content creator. We put this series of short courses together to help people who already have a career or who are running a business. Helping them get up to speed on digital tools that will help them.”

With more options, courses are not just for students coming from high school or other post-secondaries, but also for those re-ignited to pursue further academic journeys.

“This is the first time we are offering it and we really want to make it worthwhile to people,” said Elias. “We assumed that the audience would be people who don’t want to come back to school for four years and want a little taste.”

Foundations of New Media will start the new programs off, beginning Jan. 11 – Feb. 8. The five-week course will examine digital media theory and creating work using different software applications.

Core Principles for Visual Design will be offered Feb. 22 – March 22, focusing on the concepts and practice of graphic design theory and exploring the relation to specific media.

Digital Video Storytelling and Editing is happening May 3 – May 31, working through sequence construction through digital video.

Introduction to Web Design and Digital Culture and Communication will be offered in fall 2023. Web Design will involve elements of content management systems and online platforms, while Culture and Communication will work on the implementation of practices and techniques used for creating and maintaining an individual or organization’s digital presence.

“We have been working on these courses over a few years and we are proud to offer individuals the option to take any one of these new media modules separately or as a cluster to achieve a Foundation of New Media certificate of professional development,” said Michelle Sylvestre, sessional instructor in Fine Arts.

The series will work through modules and hands-on experience to help students achieve new skills and abilities to help them pursue careers in an industry that is continuing to grow.

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