We Train Students in Using New Technologies to Get Ahead in a Fast-Changing Environment, says SOMM Associate Professor
In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Roshni Sengupta, Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun talks about Digital Innovation Scholarships (funded by Meta). This scholarship is offered to students interested in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the digital media sphere. All programs offered at the school train students in using new technologies to get ahead in a fast-changing environment.
Roshni Sengupta is an Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun. She has been a Fellow of the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden. Roshni did her post-doctoral research as an Erasmus-IBIES Fellow at the Leiden Institute for Area Studies.
- What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?
Our learning curriculum emphasizes “learning by doing”, understanding the “why” of a topic along with the “how” and 360-degree industry preparedness so that our students could be the torchbearers of a dynamic and ever-changing digital media environment. The focus on employment-centric training and skill development puts the curriculum focus of the School of Modern Media far ahead of competing media schools and institutes across the country. As India’s only digital-first media school, the School of Modern Media brings together an intense industry alignment with holistic university learning to posit programs that are in-depth and dedicated to meeting the needs of a fast-changing media economy.
- How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?
Courses at the School of Modern Media have been developed with steadfast attention to industry readiness through hands-on training at one India’s best media school-based multi-cam and podcasting studios and recording and editing facilities. With an emphasis on holistic development and a 360-degree student experience-driven learning agenda, we at the School of Modern Media, are committed to training young professionals for a rapidly changing digital media sphere.
- What qualities do your students have that other college students lack?
Since our primary focus at the School of Modern Media is to create persuasive, brilliant communicators, our students are able to do precisely that albeit in different formats. While those pursuing BA Digital and Mass Media are training to produce cutting-edge multimedia content for the WWW and broadcast environments, students of BA-JMC (Digital) are adept at creating quality content for the dynamic digital scenario. Furthermore, students of BBA are developing into skilled professionals in the sphere of even management, social media marketing, data visualization and visual storytelling.
The new BSc Meta Gaming and Virtual Production program – the first one of its kind launched by a media school in India – trains students in game design and development, thereby enabling them to enter and become part of one of the fastest-growing media industries worldwide.
- Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?
India’s only digital first media school – the School of Modern Media – empowers its students to experience hands-on learning in order for them to transform into industry-ready professionals of the future, skilled and adept at meeting everyday challenges in a dynamic and fast-growing media environment. Our students have the option to choose from several useful subject-focused specializations, while also being able to explore the option of gaining a Minor degree through exploratory courses offered by other schools at UPES.
- Is your college receptive to the innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?
The School of Modern Media offers Digital Innovation Scholarships (funded by Meta) to students with special interest in entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital media sphere. All programs offered at our school train students in using new technologies to get ahead in a fast-changing environment. As part of our focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, students are regularly mentored by industry experts towards setting up new enterprises in the field of digital media.
