distance learning for broadcasters - david thomas

David Thomas Media | Distance Learning | Communications

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Distance learning for broadcasters

David [email protected]

om

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The courses● Introduction to Radio Journalism &

Production● Introduction to Television News

Reporting● Website Production (Levels 1 and 2)● Introduction to Change Management ● Digital Technology for Broadcast

Engineers




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The trainees● Every part of the Commonwealth, incl:

– Nigeria– Uganda– Kenya– RSA– Malawi– Ghana– Botswana

– Swaziland– Tanzania– Gambia– Mozambique– Zambia– Cameroon




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The trainees● Every part of the Commonwealth● 20 participants per course ● self-selected...● ...with nomination from boss● 213 starters (66% Male, 33% Female)● Drop out rate: c. 25%




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ONEIL (St Vincent):Henry, My nickname is Jomo. It's what my family & close friends calls me.

Lol,I see the people in the villages are up to date with current affairs. We do also call some of our troublemakers nicknames like Taliban

HENRY (Kenya): Hey Jomo, My dad told me that when he was once at the presence of Jomo Kenyatta, one of the significant things was the man's deep eyes.

The eyes would seem to be thought provocking. so jomo that is a huge nick name you have.

ONEIL:I'm Pleased. When i was a little boy, Jomo being my nickname. I was sometimes called Jomo Kenyatta but never knew that it was a name of someone that made such a stamp in history




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Lo David! How’zit? Keep a cool head. We all gonna pass. Wont let you down.

Mmoni, Botswana (Radio Production)

Hit me up...this is a topic I would like to get the views of everyone.

Oneil, St Vincent (Website Production)




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Drop outs (25%)● Pressure of work● Boss enrolled me on another course● Family troubles● Had to join the army● Went into labour




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Q: How easy is it to study online?

● It’s about finding a balance...I must say it helps one learn how to adjust your schedule [and] manage your time effectively (Setlogola RSA)

● I miss the human touch...exchange of ideas (Sol, Uganda)

● Not easy...you must be constantly connected (Gabriel, Nigeria)




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Q: Are the courses relevant to people in Africa?

● Some do not strike an immediate chord...but you find lessons [in all] (Setlogola, RSA)

● Relevant in theory...but they need to be designed in order to be used in Uganda (Sol, Uganda)

● Yes ... because funds may not be readily available to travel (Ogola, Nigeria)




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Do you use Facebook, Hi5, Twitter...?

● I do not have time (Setlogola, RSA)● Facebook (Sol, Uganda)● Facebook and Twitter (Gabriel, Nigeria)● ...all [are] in high demand here in

Nigeria...it seems the Facebook bug is much more than all I have ever come across (Ogola, Nigeria)

● Yes (Eseosa, Nigeria)● [?] (Nomphumelelo, Swaziland)




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Would you study using SMS...?

● Not sure...more effective for relaying messages (Setlogola, RSA)

● Hmmm...no I would not. SMS are not as dependable as computers (Sol, Uganda)

● Why not! (Gabriel, Nigeria)● I would study using SMS (Nomphumelelo,

Swaziland)● I don’t know how it would work...I prefer

my palm top/PC (Ogola, Nigeria)● I do not like using SMS (Eseosa, Nigeria)




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Lessons learnt

● The Discussion Forum HAS to work● Instant response is the only response ● Engineers don’t talk as much as

journalists● People like certificates




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Dilemmas● How structured should the courses be?● Should we grade?● Would shorter courses make for more

or less engagement?● Should we charge the trainees??




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Answers to:David Thomas

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distance learning for broadcasters - david thomas

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