University of Western Ontario highlights importance of digital communication
March 30, 2012 by Chloe
The University of Western Ontario, based in London Ontario, is beginning to offer two streams of media studies to help equip students with social media competence they can bring to any industry. Students interested in pursuing careers in the print industry can provide a competitive edge to their businesses by gaining a solid foundation in how things like search engines and data mining can be useful for enhancing a print business.
Students of print in degree programs have another aspect of their communication and media studies to explore: digital communication. In some senses specializing in social media and digital communication may seem anathema to students looking for opportunities in the traditional printing industry- in the eyes of many the digital is taking over the intangible paper product.
Nothing could be further than the truth. Exploring social media and digital communication can help print companies use cutting edge marketing tools to showcase demonstrations of traditional printing services to businesses.
Effective use of social media is essential in most industries, and print companies can do more online to better connect with sources, stakeholders, members of the community and even competitors. An understanding of digital worlds and digital culture can also help printers monitor trends within their own industry and well as demand and need for services, and understand the evolving business needs of their clients.
The London post secondary institution will offer both undergraduate certificates in conjunction with a diploma and graduate studies in digital communication. It expects to attract both media students and students from traditional disciplines.
