Student Feedback Forum 2006
RESPONSES TO STUDENT FEEDBACK
A student forum was held 12th October 2006. The forum was attended by Professor Mitchell Dean, Dean of Division and Media staff. There were nine Media students in attendance.
General Comments from students
There was general agreement that students were enjoying their experience of studying Media at Macquarie. There was a positive response to the 2007 initiative that will allow BMedia students to enrol in more than one core production studies unit thus providing greater flexibility and exposure to a broader range of Media studies. Students also appreciate the range and diversity of guest lecturers in Media units. That the department is moving towards 4 credit points for Media units was also regarded as a positive development. Some students expressed frustration at the way in which group work functioned when a student participating was not sufficiently committed.
Why is there no production unit in the first year of the B Media?
The Department is in the process of designing a first year production studies unit with the intention of introducing it in 2008.
Can all tutorial rooms used be equipped with adequate equipment for both teaching and student presentations?
The Department will continue to make every effort to ensure that tutorial rooms are appropriately equipped for Media presentations.
What is process for a student who wishes to discuss a matter relating to a unit with someone other than the tutor?
In the first instance, any matter relating to a unit should be discussed with the tutor. Following this, if a student requires further clarification/discussion they can make a time to see the unit convenor. If they wish to discuss the matter further, they can make an appointment with the head of department.
Can more biographical information about teaching staff, including tutors, be included on the Media website?
Relevant biographical material for all continuing and fixed-term members of staff is included on the Media website. It is not feasible to include biographical material for casual lecturers and tutors on the website as this information changes on a semester and weekly basis.
Can there be increased practical work in the second semester 300 level Screen Production workshops and can tutors provide more guidance?
The practical content of these workshops will be reviewed. The Department has made continuous efforts to achieve high standards of tutor performance and will continue to do so.
Can Screen Production students be given additional time to work on their production assignments beyond the completion date in the workshop schedule and can they receive further feedback beyond the completion date?
Students are able to make further refinements to their productions beyond the completion date. This is negotiated with the unit convenor and is contingent on the availability of facilities and maintenance requirements for future teaching. A student seeking additional feedback should contact the unit convenor.
Can Screen Production students study a dedicated screen analysis unit?
Screen Production units are currently under review and it is anticipated that the lectures at 300 level will include more screen analysis.
Do prospective non-fiction writers require higher level computing and software skills, and if so, should these be taught in the Writing strand?
Professional writers are not normally called on to take responsibility
for programming and software matters in relation to online or hardcopy
publishing.
Can students have longer 200 level Multimedia workshops in order to learn the necessary software?
Longer workshops would be useful for some students, but not all. The current workshop length is a balance of perceived student requirements and available resources.
Can Multimedia students have longer supervised workshops in order to complete their work?
There is a wide range of student ability in Multimedia and many students find workshop length satisfactory. Technical assistance is available at published times and staff also make themselves available during peak demand. Providing technical assistance beyond the workshops and outside the peak demand period is beyond the Department’s resources.
Can the Multmedia strand use iLecture for all units?
iLecture is used for 200 level Multimedia units. It is not used in 300 level units due to the smaller numbers and the seminar style lectures.