Short description/Abstract:
This contribution will offer insight into how multi-media is used as a form of assessment in the University of Suffolk's Politics curriculum. This will highlight how multi-media assessments (such as podcasts and video explainers) can be used to add value to the 'traditional' skills around political knowledge and critical analysis which usually feature as key learning outcomes in politics degrees, and ensure politics graduates are well equipped for communicating and disseminating their knowledge in a contemporary political environment marked by social media, online activism and audio-visual communication. This contribution will take the form of a poster presentation and example video / podcast assessments available for participants to view / listen to.
Relevance/Set-up:
Social media and digital communications have become increasingly important to the practice of contemporary politics, and this in turn has led to a wide scholarship assessing their use and impact. While social media has been employed as a pedagogical tool in higher education settings, much of the focus in politics curricula remains rooted in developing students' political knowledge and analytical skills. However, in a political environment where communication, debate and analysis is facilitated through social media and is increasingly audio-visual in nature (for example through podcasts, online video explainers, or even memes), graduates are increasingly expected to demonstrate their skills in multi-media communication (such as video editing and production) as a way to apply the knowledge and analytical skills gained through their studies.
