Our Curriculum is Dedicated to “Learning by Doing”, says Dean of SOMM UPES
In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Nalin Mehta, Professor Nalin Mehta, Dean School of Modern Media talks about the curriculum which is dedicated to “learning by doing” and an overall emphasis on holistic development and a 360-degree focus on the student experience.
Nalin Mehta is the dean of the School of Modern Media, UPES. He has been Executive Editor, Times of India – Online; Consulting Editor, Times of India and Managing Editor of India Today (English TV news channel).
- What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?
We put learning into practice through state-of-the-art studios, an industry-aligned curriculum, interactions with eminent journalists and distinguished media scholars, and employment-relevant training. Having said that, at the School of Modern Media, we focus on the “why” of learning different skills related to the dynamic media industry along with the “how”. Our curriculum is dedicated to “learning by doing” and an overall emphasis on holistic development and a 360-degree focus on student experience.
- How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?
Our programs prepare students for the digital age media industry through intensive training imparted not only in classrooms but in our avant-garde studios, where students get the opportunity to gain hands-on learning. Our 360-degree approach empowers students instead of simply enabling them to gain practical training of everyday, real-life situations in a rapidly changing industry environment.
- What quality do your students have that other college students lack?
Our students communicate persuasively in different formats. Students of BA-JMC (Digital) are trained to create quality content for digital platforms and BA Digital and Mass Media (Broadcast) students are trained in producing multimedia content for web and broadcast. Our BBA students are trained in digital branding, social media marketing, visual storytelling and data visualization. Our BSc Meta Gaming and Virtual Production program trains students in game design and development, thereby empowering them to harness the opportunities in one of the fastest growing media industries.
- Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?
The curriculum framework of School of Modern Media is holistic in its overall structure and yet focuses on industry needs as well as individual needs of the student to discover, experience, explore, and challenge. Along with the core subjects, students have the option to choose from subject-focused specializations. Students are also allowed to choose minor/exploratory courses from other schools at UPES.
- Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?
The School of Modern Media is an innovation-driven school. The School offers Digital Innovation Scholarships (funded by Meta) to meritorious students to promote innovations in the digital media sector. Our Programs train students in using new technologies. Students are mentored by industry experts for creating new enterprises.
