A few months ago, the world was met with the unfortunate events of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has rooted itself within our daily lives and has shifted the way institutions worldwide has run. Bournemouth University has worked hard to accommodate and attend the needs of ensuring the remainder of everyone’s academic year meets the standards and requirements necessary. Like everyone else, semester two for first-years studying BA Hons Multimedia Journalism was faced with troubles when our access to the physical world, certain equipment, and specific softwares were cut off as a resource.

After a week of silence, the doors of the university closes and the virtual world of learning opens. This change was facilitated by the faculty staff and academics who works tirelessly to revamp and accommodate the remainder of the semester. In doing so, they were still able to maintain the quality of education and ensuring we as first-year students were able to build the necessary foundations before moving forward.

The theory side of the course was easily delivered. The lectures and face-to-face schedule was quickly replaced by presentations, videos, links, and notes as further resources. Every class upheld the teachings by hosting Zoom calls to get that face-to-face component and allow us to ask questions. Each subject was filled with enough content to ensure we understood and gain the necessary knowledge needed. Additionally, the easing of our schedule allowed us to manage the content on our own accord whilst still being able to manage with our respective environments.

The practical side of university was not so easy. Broadcast Journalism, Features and Online, and Public Affairs are a few subjects that required specific equipment, softwares, and/or needed real world sources for ideas and interviews. However, we were given alternative resources to ensure we were able to complete the tasks at hand. For the most part we used social media and online tools to get work done. Whether it would be calling or emailing interviewees, writing, researching, or finding stories about the current situation, we manage to solidify journalistic practices while being confined within our walls. Additionally the Broadcast Journalism class, comprised of TV and Radio journalism, faced difficulties without the industry level softwares and equipment that the physical university was able to provide for us. However, utilizing our phones, headphones, and having lecturers record radio packages for us aided in completing our work. Finding these alternative routes is key to a successful semester. We adapted by finding different softwares, by our lecturers, and by using what we have at home and maximising its capabilities.

This semester was a massive learning curve. Yes, we are still first-year students trying to learn the ropes of such a career path. The academics and staff in the faculty of media and communications has embedded numerous tools and lessons to get our work done, while also continuously check in on our wellbeing. The pandemic has indeed forced us to find alternative ways to our learning but taught us to do journalism like actual professionals working in the field and that’s an experience unmatched.

Click the video to watch a story highlight from @buinternational showcasing second semester during a pandemic.