A new organization on campus is reaching out to students who want firsthand experience with media production technology.
The New Media Club exists "primarily as a way to provide students with more hands-on learning for A/V production, software and hardware training and real-world applications," said Alessio Summerfield, president of the organization and junior in radio, television and film.
"Like recording a band or filming a live event, as well as for learning about intangible things like social media, by shadowing professionals like our adviser, Kelly Walker, and any guest speakers we might have."
The components of new media vary, Summerfield said.
"Social media, audio, video, streaming content, web design and graphic design are definitely all a part of new media, but new media is also more broad than that, and that's the beauty of the club," Summerfield said.
The club holds a weekly meeting where they discuss projects each member is working on and decide which projects the group will assist with.
"In between meetings we work on projects that students spearhead," Summerfield said. "Just recently we filmed a live music video for local band Adventure the Great at The Gnu's Room solely with cellphones--iPhones, Android-based phones and even flip phones."
More than only project building occurs at the weekly meetings.
"Having the opportunity to meet every week keeps us focused on projects that we want to do, discuss topics about different sorts of media or trends in the world of media and bonds us as a group," said Nathan Simone, junior in journalism.
The club also hosts various seminars and tutorials on how to use certain software, the tools and resources available on campus and, recently, establishing a web presence with a website.
"Without being in the appropriate major, and sometimes even in the appropriate majors, students don't get the experiences that they need for real-world environments and projects through sitting in class," Summerfield said. "So they should have an outlet and learning environment to work on fun projects that they handpick."
Members also recognize the value of the new organization.
"I was tired of being technologically ignorant," Simone said. "Everyone in New Media Club seems to have their own special niche of media that they like. Alessio ... is well versed in film and editing techniques."
Summerfield said he hopes the organization's members will have a lasting impact in Auburn.
"I'd like to help build up the list of guest speakers that Auburn University has had," Summerfield said. "And I'd like to see students teaching themselves and using that knowledge to do some really wonderful work in, around and outside of the Auburn area."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
