Editing suite opens for University of West Florida Department of Communication

May 1, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko | casshcommunications@uwf.edu

The UWF Department of Communication has taken a step toward growth with the addition of a new editing suite.  The suite is specialized toward video editing for TV production classes and UWF Argo News.  

Erica Dukes, a communication major focusing on telecommunications stated, “The new editing bay is an excellent way to get to know, help, and learn from your peers. I can see with this editing bay that the major will be able to grow more.”

Recent upgrades include 12 editing computers, an expanded floor plan with accommodations of 30 students, a large screen display projection, new ventilation with lighting and new security access.

Students taking classes in telecommunications will experience a wide variety of coursework including television direction, radio production, writing and broadcast management. The proliferation of telecommunication outlets has resulted in job opportunities that did not exist two decades ago. Students take part in hands-on learning including a practicum in television news.

The new editing studio allows for students to gain real-world knowledge while adding valuable assets to their resumes. Prior to renovations, the editing suites were separate, small and crowded. The new floor plan allows for a larger workspace where students can gather and work collaboratively.

With the new upgrades, the communications program also updated Avid, the program’s media composer software.  Mark Lambert, instructor of communication, stated, “Avid is probably the most popular software for film and television… when they get out there to get a job, if they have Avid behind them, they’re going to stand a much better chance to get the job because that’s what most stations use.”  

Lambert has mastered diverse skills during his 31 years working in broadcast production. To prepare students for today’s competitive job market, Lambert incorporates interactive projects into the curriculum so students can put educational concepts into practice. The department has been using Avid for 10 years.

The addition of the new editing suite to the department has changed the dynamics of the learning environment. Students now gain more hands-on experience and better comprehension of material thanks to increased interaction with faculty and fellow peers.

To learn more about the UWF Department of Communication or the telecommunication program, visit the UWF Department of Communication online.