Benefits specific to the External Partners
Luke and Archie from Northumbria University discuss skills for industry
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Enhancement of learning & teaching
The Community of Practice for Photojournalists, developed by The University of the Arts, brought photojournalists and academics together to discuss some of the critical issues facing the industry. During the webinars, key supporting research and articles were highlighted so bringing an academic flavour to the discussions. In other webinars and a forum, knowledge was shared about using multimedia. Professor Fred Ritchin of the Department of Photography & Imaging, New York University, notes that this project is a 'major step forward in creating a virtual community based upon learning and sharing experiences'.
By working with academic institutions industry and business ensure that graduates have skills and knowledge that is required by the industry. For example students in the School of design at Northumbria University worked with Intel and Motorola and Birmingham Metropolitan College developed academic pathways meeting the requirements of their NHS partner.
'Head into a different mental space' Nick Oakley, Intel Corporation
In addition to the actual collaborative activities, there are additional benefits. Nick Oakley, Intel Corporation and member of the Northumbria University trial expressed this as '... head into a different mental space'. He worked with students in the School of Design and, having been out of academia for a number of years, found it very useful to see product design from a young end-user, rather than technical, point of view.
Students can be prepared for employment; for example in business culture or pitching ideas as is discussed in this video.
Nick Oakley, Intel
Stephen Mayes, director of one of the most significant photojournalism agencies, VII, and a regular contributor to the network, felt that OPEN-I, the platform designed by the University of the Arts, provided a 'completely new opportunity' that has introduced him to:
'new people with different perspectives and information that has allowed me to expand my thinking. OPEN-i is a terrific resource'.
University of the Arts
Etienne Wenger commented that OPEN-I (University of the Arts) 'seamlessly broadens the course into an open process of continuous professional development'. This professional development is applicable to both college and university staff and their external business and community partners.
After training in using collaborative online tools as part of the LetMEbeFrank project by New College Swindon, 30% of the clients had gained sufficient confidence to continue with formal study.
