Mock news feeds and on-camera television news reading and reporting will be some of the attractions when the School of Journalism and Communication showcases its new state-of-the-art facilities on UQ St Lucia’s Open Day.
The new studios and learning spaces, which opened in March and span two floors of the Joyce Ackroyd Building, allow students the chance to more comprehensively hone their craft in the digital age.
From a chic Ideas Centre with plasma television screens broadcasting world news, to interactive workspaces, production recording booths and a designated space for PhD students, the facilities accommodate the record numbers of students now studying at the school.
Head of the School Professor Michael Bromley said the new accommodation provided a customised learning experience where work areas flowed and students could communicate easily with each other.
“Unlike in our previous location, there is now an obvious student presence in the school and the students can use the space how they want,” Professor Bromley said.
As part of the building design, academic and industry professional staff can easily interact with students. It’s a friendly environment for staff and student discussions as well as providing opportunities for professional cross-collaboration.
The school was relocated from its former campus location in Hood Street and continues to build on its reputation as Australia’s first journalism school.
It will open its doors to the public on UQ St Lucia Open Day (August 2), and will also provide broadcast journalism demonstrations in the nearby UQ Centre.
Budding newsreaders will have the opportunity to see what life is like in front of the camera as they put their face and best broadcast voice to the test as an on-the-spot reporter.
Prospective students will be presented with a photo of themselves reading the news, while a mobile radio studio will also be set up in the new facilities and the school’s on-line radio station, JAC Radio, will broadcast ‘live’.
As part of other Open Day activities in the Social and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, the UQ Centre will also house a series of experimental psychology demonstrations.
Interested participants will be able to try to out-smart a pigeon, match fingerprints, test their memory, or challenge each other in a driving simulator.
For more information on activities go to the Open Day website at: http://www.youruq.com/openday/
Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications (07 3365 2619)
