Learning & Teaching Strategies for a Digital Media Student

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A Digital Media Students First Day

First day a student walks into my classroom, I sit down and ascertain what their goals are
for the program. Do they want to be a Graphic Designer, do they want to start their own
online business, are they looking to market their services better, or are they just creative in nature and thought it would be a good fit.

Kwesi Selassie - Grammy Nominee Reggae

I have had the pleasure of having a Grammy nominated recording artist, an international house DJ, and so many other talented people with goals that I need to satisfy and especially to excite.

I like to wow students and motivate them to perform. Learning at a Private College is
different than as a student at a University. Everyone that walks through the door doesn't have 4 years to learn some skills, they need to get job ready in 6 to 12 months. Our Digital Media & Marketing intensive course covers subjects that would take 2 1/2 years to learn at a Community College, and 4 Years at a University.

The bonus for the student is that what we teach them today is relevant at their job interview, whereas what a student learned in year one at a University might be obsolete by year four especially in the fast moving Digital Media realm. One program is hands on the other is theoretical both have their advantages and strengths.


With an intensive program like the one I teach a students learning ability and motivation is key to future success, it is also what will make the difference for them out in the workplace. So my teaching strategy is based on maximizing and inspiring their learning journey. First off I try to find out what type of learner the student is, so that I can help them attain their goals in the shortest amount of time possible.

In Class Focus

I use the Felder's Index to help me analyze an individual plan for each student (Felder is
co-director of the National Effective Teaching Institute in the US). He breaks down how
individuals lean towards different stratagems for attaining knowledge in 4 different categories that have alternate hemispheres.

So appreciating which way students themselves lean helps them learn at a higher rate.
Everyone learns through all of the methods but they lean in each category to one side or the other.

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Here is the breakdown:

Digital Photography Workshop out of Classroom Setting

Active/Reflective Learning

Active learning is when you want to learn
something hands on or in a group.

Reflective learning is when you want to think
about the subject and would prefer to work
alone.

  

 

 

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Digital Strategies

 Sensing/Intuitive Learning

A Sensor wants facts, rules, and is good at memorizing.

An Intuitive learner you want to think about the possibilities, ponder concepts, and want
to be innovative with the lessons.

Visual/Verbal Learning

Visual learners like information presented in pictures, diagrams, videos, and demonstrations.

Verbal learners like to get their information through verbal communication with words presented through lectures, and also in text format through books.

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Learning Should be Fun

Sequential/Global Learning

Sequential learners like to get their information in a step by step process, with lists, and hands on training that walks them through the course material.

Global learners tend to draw information from everywhere a bit at a time and have aha moments where it all comes to them in one large leap.


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I cover all the bases in my lesson plans but it is good to let students personalize their way of learning so that they can maximize their results going forward with self instruction.

I run the gamut from lecturing, to group work, to text books, hands on training, videos, media such as
infographics, and alone time to get the materials digested as best as possible.

Take Felder's Learning Styles Quiz here to see where you tend to lean.

Here are some self instruction learning strategies brought to you by Service Canada Job
Bank to help you with your preferences in self study.

What learning style are you?
What techniques do you use to learn? 

Areas to focus on:

1. Managing your time
2. Increasing motivation
3. Limiting procrastination
4. Reading from texts or watching videos efficiently and effectively
5. Coping with academic stress

Links to Learning Strategies:

Learning Strategies in the Classroom


College Learning Strategies Handout


Good Study Tips for College Students