From Day One
The College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) has embraced the use of new technologies as the industry rapidly develops every few months, including the use of virtual reality headsets as a learning tool.
Embracing new technology to help students build their futures
Over the last 20 years, advancements in technology have increased significantly. Access to information is as easy as a few taps on a smartphone.
But with this convenience also comes significant challenges. How does one wield this windfall of information to serve our greatest needs—to encourage a sense of meaning in our lives as we connect to one another? With each new technological innovation and digital platform, the demand for thoughtful, ethical communication professionals grows almost exponentially.
As a leader in the industry, Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) has its sights set on preparing its nearly 1,600 students to thrive in these ever-changing and fast-paced technology-based fields. When ambitious and talented students are given the confidence and necessary tools to succeed, they are able to thrive in this constantly evolving landscape, giving CCIM a clear goal for its budgeting and fundraising efforts.
“When we think about communication across the past several decades, every time we have a new technological innovation, it changes our relationships with others and how we communicate with each other,” said Dr. Paaige Turner, dean of CCIM. “Our college has always been committed to maintaining the technology that our students are going to be using, while instilling in them an understanding of symbolic human interaction and ethical communication.”
Technology used to be something that would change every 10 years, maybe every five years. Now, technology can change every six months, according to Dean Turner.
“Our college is very intentional about refreshing old technology that is broken but is still used in the industry, while adding innovation to our new technology. That’s why it is so important for us to be able to have funds available to do that,” she said. “We used to only need to refresh equipment and add equipment maybe every 10 years. Now, we need to be refreshing and adding on a regular basis.”
CCIM’s Distinct Advantage Benefits Students
Improvements have already been made across the college, and more are continually in the plans for Sports Link, the Unified Media Lab, Department of Media, Emerging Media Design and Development, and the Center for Information and Communication Sciences.
Studio spaces are also receiving a major upgrade, including a special volume wall that is scheduled to open in Fall 2024. A volume wall, a system of linked high-end LED panels used to display video footage or 3D content to form a background behind actors, was used in “Star Wars” and the “Mandalorian” series. It will be one of only a handful at any university around the country, along with institutions in Georgia, Florida, and California.
“The production industry is moving to the use of LED walls, and the skills and abilities to use that cutting-edge innovation are becoming one of the additional tools that our students have to have to reach the top of their field,” Dean Turner said.
Studio spaces, like the one located in the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, are receiving upgrades throughout CCIM. The college is in the process of installing a new volume wall that is set to be completed prior to the Fall 2024 semester.
What gives CCIM a distinct advantage over other similar programs across the country is that it empowers its students to begin their careers the moment they step foot on campus. CCIM students don’t have to wait until their junior or senior year to gain access to all of the technological innovations available.
Since it is how technology is used that makes the difference, the college is also developing curricula in conjunction with the implementation of new technologies, including a forthcoming media technology program, an infusion of AI across the curriculum, visual effects, and extended reality.
“Our college has made a commitment that, from day one, our students will have opportunities to apply their learning, and to engage with the students as well as our faculty, our staff, and our community members,” Dean Turner said. “From day one, they have access to the technology and the labs that we have through swipe card access. From day one, they have access to our checkout facility, where I watch students check out a cart that has over $100,000 of equipment such as media lights, cameras, and sound equipment on it.”
One of those students who has been positively impacted by CCIM’s commitment is first-year student Aasha Watkins, who is majoring in Media with a concentration in Sports Production.
“It’s so empowering to have access to all of the technology that is offered here,” Ms. Watkins said. “If I can use this equipment to be this successful as a freshman, there’s no telling what I can do as a junior or a senior here at Ball State.”
