In the near future, we have to face graduation and find a suitable job. So this makes me anxious and immersed in thinking, what is the future trend of digital media? Are the technological advances in media really helping people? This will be an issue I choose to study and be interested in because I am about to face a major challenge and growth.
Technological advances in media – Web 2.0 in work-based learning
Web 2.0 technologies can be used to build online learning environments, which is a new approach that has been widely used. Facebook, YouTube, Skype and other social media have changed the way society communicates and shares resources. Similarly, media can be used as an integral part of the online learning environment, thus changing the way educational communication and resources are shared. I believe that this will be more widely used in the field of education in the future, which is inevitable and will become the norm. As everything else in society changes with the Development of the Internet and related technologies, education will change in the same way. So technological advances are all around our lives and our social lives.
Now that we are all affected by the COV-19, I feel that the Internet and social media have made it very convenient for us to help. Students can learn online through Zoom or Goggle meeting. In addition, The Internet has had a profound impact on The way The world does business. (Toole ,2011) The usage rate accepted by the public is also increasing. This can result in significant cost savings for employers and institutions and schools. Because they can be done in a flexible way based on work and study, they can also greatly save time and travel costs.
I am grateful for the convenience that this has brought me, far outweighing my fears and worries. Take myself as an example. Due to my health, I cannot return to campus for face-to-face mode. So I have to choose online meeting to complete my study. I know very well that it is very difficult for me, even I am very anxious about my study. After my research, I found that work and geographical constraints prevented them from participating in camper-based practical courses to complete the components of their courses. In this case the MSc engineering students were internationally based and a distance learning solution would be particularly welcome. (Toole ,2011) Thanks to the progress of the Internet, we special students have a more perfect way of learning. This is the benefit of scientific and technological progress for us.
The future of media drives the job market
Innovation is the norm in media, with trends shaped by social media, digital advertising and increased access to the Internet through devices of all kinds. With the increasing demand of consumers in the market and the improvement of science and technology, digital media is also constantly developing and changing. The rise of mobile video, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and more sophisticated data analytics applications will shape the future of digital media now and in the future. （Maryville University ,2022)
In recent years, as COV-19 has continued, the use of digital media has been seen to accelerate at an alarming rate. Factors such as lockdown, isolation, geography, and restrictions on face-to-face negotiations or communication are all driving people to use the web more. For example, data from market research firm GlobalWebIndex (GWI) found that 43% of consumers were using social media more in August 2020 because of the pandemic. In addition, a survey by the RAND American Life Group reported that about 25 percent of respondents said they have shopped more online since the outbreak began. (Maryville University, 2022)
As a student of digital media, I think the future trend of media is worth studying. New technological innovations will provide new business and career opportunities, which are closely related to us. The degree in media also offers a study of emerging and social media platforms, data analytics, visual communication, content creation, and more. Enable us to obtain more knowledge and information in our studies and majors.
After my preliminary research and investigation, I have a deeper understanding of the future and development of the media industry, and I also have confidence and interest in this industry and future employment. It is hoped that more substantial contents and opinions on the future development of media and new technologies can be found in the following research.
Reference：
- Toole. (2011). Social media: key tools for the future of work-based learning. Development and Learning in Organizations, 25(5), 31–34. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281111159438
- Maryville University: The Future of Media: Concepts and Trends for Communication Professionals. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/future-media/
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