In fall 2009, the Department of Broadcasting will begin a laptop program for students enrolled in the freshman-level production course, BC 101 (Introduction to Broadcast Production). Enrollment in BC 101 is usually incoming freshmen and transfer students majoring or minoring in broadcasting.

Students in BC 101 will be required to have a MacBook Pro computer, Adobe Audition and Final Cut Pro Studio software. The department estimates it will take three years for the laptop requirement to be integrated into all production courses. Broadcasting majors and minors who will enter their senior year in 2009 or 2010 will not be required to purchase the computer hardware and software. The department will continue to operate its computer labs, audio and video editing suites, and check out portable equipment.

Broadcasting faculty, who teach production based courses, are being provided MacBook Pro computers and software this semester in anticipation of the laptop requirement. Faculty are working individually and collectively to adapt course material, lectures, and assignments for next fall. The Broadcasting Department is working with Apple on development of certification programs for WIU students in Final Cut Pro, Color, Motion, and Soundtrack Pro.

Department of Broadcasting Goals for Laptop Initiative

Student laptop ownership will pave the way for:

• Innovations in instruction that incorporate web-based applications and electronic work-group initiatives
• Active rather than passive learning
• Faculty undertaking curriculum initiatives that allow students hands-on applications of delivered concepts
• Fostering teamwork, group projects and the ability to communicate and coordinate schedules
• Collaboration across distance and time efficiently with faculty and peers

Fall Semester 2008

• Investigate options—purchase, lease, lease/buy
• Finalize computer and software specifications
• Work out software bundling options with university computer store
• Assess faculty training needs
• Finalize implementation plans for current students
• Faculty member attends Final Cut Pro certification training session I
• Finalize classroom upgrade plans to accommodate laptops in Fall 2009

January 2009

• Prepare materials for prospective students and families explaining laptop initiative
• Set up demo computer and software for Discover Western programs and visits from prospective students

February 2009

• Communicate with prospective students at February 16 Discover Western
• Send letters to all prospective students explaining laptop initiative and computer specs
• Orientation sessions for current students to introduce them to the laptop initiative and the benefits for them

Spring 2009

• Faculty member attends Final Cut Pro certification session II
• Faculty training using laptops in the classroom with course content
• Work on classroom and lab upgrades to accommodate laptops