Abstract
Media centers have a continual need for self-instruction programs which assist patrons in the operation and use of a variety of equipment. Students involved in media production classes need projects that simulate “real life” situations as closely as possible. Having a client with specific needs — a client who can be demanding with regard to project evaluation, and who can also pay students who produce usable programs — is an ideal way to simulate that “real life” environment.
California State University at Bakersfield merged these two needs. Beginning multimedia students' first assignment was to develop programs for instructing their classmates on how to use audiovisual equipment. The media center director agreed to buy projects that met his standards and fit the center's needs. This cooperative venture between communication classes and the media center served several instructional goals, and afforded many mutual benefits. Students learned valuable lessons in project design, audience analysis, media production, and marketing. The media center provided the faculty instructional support, a motivating context for students to work, and assistance in evaluation. And, by developing self-instruction programs, the students and faculty provided an expanded resource that directly benefited the Media Center's customers.
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