NEARLY 30 CQUniversity (CQU) students were out in the community this year assisting with eight community projects for various Cairns organisations and businesses.
Students from CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Digital Media engaged in collaborative community projects over the course of 2023, volunteering to collaborate on projects needed in the community that might otherwise be unaffordable for organisations.
Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Unit Coordinator Dr Ashley Holmes said there were eight beneficiary organisations this year that worked with students to come up with a project that fulfilled their business needs.
“We’ve been running this program of authentic learning for over a decade now, offering free design and production consultancy,” he said.
“Each year we see more and more benefits not only to our students but to the community partners involved.”
Beneficiary organisations this year included Cairns Regional Council, Mackay Community Foundation, Douglas Shire Council, Bundaberg Health Services Foundation, Daintree Marketing Cooperative, The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, Burnett Heads Progress and Sports Association Inc and Study Cairns/Cairns Student Hub.
Students work on their projects over two terms (24 weeks) as part of their final compulsory capstone collaborative unit.
“In Term 1 the teams consult with the client to establish the project requirements, propose a solution, and present a project plan. Then in Term 2 they swing into production mode,” Dr Holmes said.
“We teach the students how to present work-in-progress professionally, seeking client feedback along the way.”
Of the eight projects delivered, four were social media assets, three were digital video promotions and one was a web-based educational game.
“All projects were creative solutions of professional standard and I once again congratulate the students on their efforts,” Dr Holmes said.
CQUniversity is now seeking proposals from organisations to participate in the 2024 pro bono digital media design and production community projects.
Dr Holmes said projects of sufficient scope and challenge for a small team were being sought.
“Digital media communication products such as videos for education, training and public information are suitable, as are animations (2D or 3D), interactives, website development, graphic design, social media assets plus web game design and development projects.”
To register your interest, or for more information about the project, email Dr Holmes here a.holmes@cqu.edu.au by Thursday, 7 December 2023.
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