A new state-of-the art Digital Media Hub was today launched at Bond University in the Balnaves Foundation Multimedia Learning Centre (MLC), providing unprecedented access to the latest multimedia technologies for students and staff.
The Digital Media Hub, which was co-funded by the Balnaves Foundation and Bond University Student Association (BUSA), will be used for academic-led classes, development of pod/vod casts, as well as independent learning by students out-of-hours.
It consists of three main zones:
- The micro studio – for content creation and production, featuring a green screen, HD remote controlled PTZ cameras, 3 point production lighting, a teleprompter and monitors, Apple Mac, quality audio capture and playback facilities and virtual reality (VR) hardware
- Study lounge areas - featuring individual or group based learning spaces, USB charging stations, BYOD capability to support streaming platforms
- Individual digital media workstations – with access to a range of software based digital media production, editing, 3D modelling and animation and CAD software plus 12 high end PCs and Mac Pros
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford said the purpose-built facility had been created to meet the needs of both students and academics for an interactive, multimedia learning space.
“Along with the growing use of virtual reality teaching apps and technologies by academics in our classrooms, comes the need for all our students to access these technologies to study, learn and create in their own time,” Professor Brailsford said.
“For example, our Health Sciences and Medicine students are creating 3D models of organs and general anatomy; our Film and Television students are creating and editing films; our Architecture students are using CAD for modelling their designs; our Advertising and Journalism students are creating audio and video media for online distribution; and our Interactive Media students are creating mobile applications, software and games.
“Furthermore, our students and academics will be able to use the micro studio to edit podcasts and vodcasts, and deliver lectures and attend seminars anywhere in the world, at any time, via virtual reality and cloud-conferencing.
“We are very grateful to the Balnaves Foundation for their continued generosity and support.
“This extension to the Balnaves Foundation Multimedia Learning Centre will ensure Bond remains at the cutting-edge of educational technology and we continue to provide our students with worldclass facilities.”
Balnaves Foundation General Manager, Hamish Balnaves said the Foundation was proud to be part of the continued evolution of the award-winning Multimedia Learning Centre.
“The Digital Media Hub will further enable Bond’s academics to deliver a combination of personal interaction and digital learning 24-7, and ensure its students are well equipped to enter the modern global workforce,” Mr Balnaves said.
Professor Brailsford also welcomed the valuable contribution of the University’s Student Association.
“When we first approached BUSA, they were very keen to become involved and our students have provided critical input on the design and fit-out so that we know it will meet our students’ needs,” he said.
Student Association President Christian Whitfield said BUSA was honoured to be a part of bringing the new facility to students.
“The student committee has been very hands-on with the design, making sure that it not only looks brilliant but is the kind of productive, collaborative space that students will use and value,” he said.
“The student experience is at the heart of the construction and design of the Hub, which creates yet another environment for students to get the most out of their academic experience at Bond.
“It is a great legacy for the Balnaves Foundation and BUSA that will serve students for years to come.”