Assignments, Snow and Hybrids

I'm back in Dublin after spending Reading Week at home doing work. I handed in my Writing for Media assignment yesterday. It was a 1000-word magazine article. I've also handed in my first web design project and my group has finished our audio project.

As well as doing assignments, I've also been busy compiling a highlights package (minus the music) of my radio show, The Rock Files (6pm Thursdays on DCUfm!) which my co-host Aisling and I have entered into the Hybrid Student Media Awards. The Hybrids take place in the Helix on 4 April, and each category is judged by an industry professional, so it's all very exciting. We've entered the Best Arts/Features Show category. Competition is stiff, of course, but it'll be a great experience just to have entered.

You can listen live to the show on Thursdays via the station's website. If you want to hear the highlights package of what we've done so far, here's the link to the file on Soundcloud!
The Rock Files on DCUfm

This is a relatively short week, as Easter weekend is coming up! I'm going home tomorrow evening after the radio show, and I will be catching up with my bezzie on Friday... can't wait!

For the past two days, though, it's been snowing on campus. Here are a couple of pictures taken from my bedroom window in Larkfield:

Hope you all have a good Easter!

Multimedia: What To Expect

I noticed recently that one of my most-viewed posts on this blog is the one I did about on campus accommodation, which leads me to believe that a lot of prospective students have been checking it out. This gave me the idea to do a post especially for people who might be thinking of coming to DCU to study Multimedia specifically.

Presumably you have an interest in media, though you're probably not sure exactly what career you'd like to have. This is fine, because you have plenty of time to decide. The great thing about this course is that it allows you to experiment in lots of different areas. Although you do have to be a bit of an all-rounder, don't worry if you're not good at everything.

Don't think that this is a 'doss course' just because it's ten hours a week. If you're thinking of doing Multimedia because it seems like an easy option, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. We don't have exams in first year, but that's because we are assessed on the assignments we do. You will have two assignments in most modules and they will take up a lot of your free time, particularly as the weeks progress. You will be expected to put the work in outside of lecture and seminar times, so make sure you use those free hours!

If you've read the course information on the DCU website, you'll have seen that you don't need previous experience before studying Multimedia. This means that you will be taught the basics of every piece of software you use, but you will also have to teach yourself some things too. The lecturers are always there to help if you get stuck with anything, but there's a lot to be said for practising in your own time and developing new skills.

Group work is a huge part of Multimedia, so if you're not used to working as part of a team, you're going to have to work on that. We probably do more group projects than individual assignments, but it's really good for your personal development and also something you'll more than likely have to apply in the workplace. It's great for making friends too.

A lot of people seem to ask what the difference is between Multimedia and Communications. The two courses are similar, and we share certain lectures and do some of the same things, plus they can both lead to some of the same careers. The main difference would be that Multimedia is more 'hands-on' than Communications, and our course is much more software-based than theirs. For example, Communications students don't do web or interface design at all, whereas Multimedia students do. One of the main things you should have as a Multimedia student is a love of technology and computers, because almost everything you do will be based around that.

I've said how important it is to work on things outside of class time, and this includes extracurricular activities. We are blessed with many amazing societies at DCU, and getting involved in them is so important. Every Multimedia student should make it their business to join the Media Production Society, which comprises DCUfm and DCUtv. The real-world experience you gain from this society is invaluable, and it will make your CV stand out from the crowd.

Finally, if you're a person who thrives on creativity and you are willing to work hard, this course is perfect for you. You will only get out of Multimedia what you put into it, so if you never go to lectures or do any work, you're not going to gain anything from the course. If you really throw yourself into everything it has to offer, it will be the best experience of your life.