MODERN MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES IN THE EDUCATION OF JOURNALISM STUDENTS

Abstract

The reform process in higher education has introduced significant changes in the way of studying, teaching organization and in the use of different work methods. Consequently, the questions of application of modern media technologies in the process of studying are attracting more attention, which is especially important in the university programs educating future journalists. In fact, the profession of journalists and communication experts relies heavily on the use information and communication technologies, which implies the need for students to acquire adequate knowledge of the various ways of using modern media means during their studies. The main goal of this research is to examine students' opinions on the application of new media technologies in the process of studying at the Department of Communication and Journalism at the Faculty of Philosophy in Nis, Serbia. The study sample consisted of 50 undergraduate students, and the main survey instrument was a structured interview. Research data were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The research results show that the new media technologies are present in the process of teaching, that certain subjects are directed precisely towards developing the necessary media and information literacy, and that there are subjects that still insufficiently use the advantages of new technologies. Answers show that students identify use media technologies in lectures and exercises commonly for presentation purposes, while much less for other purposes. The research results indicate high level of media technology use for students’ pre-exam requirements - search for the information for the purpose of writing articles, etc. Based on the analysis of students' answers it can be concluded that modern media technologies play an important role in the education of students. Also, there is a necessity for constant effort in order to increase the implementation of media technologies into study programs of the Department of Communication and Journalism in time to come.