Digital Media Labs: Good Practice Guide

The Digital Media Labs at Leeds Beckett University provide students with advanced computer facilities and are equipped with a vast range of industry standard software packages. I was asked to produce this guide as an introduction to the use of these resources, health and safety and good habits to follow during their studies.

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to have both studied at Leeds Beckett University and also to be employed by them in several capacities. I initially came in as a student ambassador and then during my year in industry completed an internship with the Communications and Marketing department.

Once I established my company ‘Kooji Creative LTD’ I then carried out a series of projects as an external supplier. Most recently I have been brought in as a contractor and part-time Lecturer working across the university within the School of Art, Architecture and Design, Business and Law, Distance Learning and Film, Music and Performing Arts.

During my time at Leeds Beckett I’ve also assisted both the Communications and Marketing department and the Business School with their National Student Survey campaign.

I directly addressed an audience of around 100 students in a lecture theatre, to promote the NSS and the market research carried out by IPSOS MORI.

 

Digital Media Labs: Printing Guide

Learning and technical support for students is reinforced with this handy booklet which is handed out to freshers at their induction sessions throughout Welcome Week and during the academic year. All eventualities are covered, from setting up a print account to producing finalised artwork on either our large format plotters or laser printers.

Digital Media Labs: DigiMap Guide

Digimap is a web-based service delivering a collection of databases containing maps and geospatial data. It is available by subscription to UK academic establishments for the purposes of education and research. I created this guide to clarify what Digimap offers, the steps taken to register for an account and how to log in and use the site.

Digital Media Labs: Large Format KIP Scanner Guide

Our large format KIP scanner allows students to scan wide format documents for their project work. This guide provides step by step instructions on how to use the equipment, along with advice on selecting appropriate file formats.

Digital Media Labs: Introduction to SketchUp

SketchUp by Google is a conceptual 3D digital drawing tool that is used by Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers and Graphic Designers. This guide provides students with a basic introduction to the software along with links to online tutorials and further resources.

I also assisted with audio-visual equipment loans, setting up and maintaining hardware in the advanced IT labs and carrying out software updates for both Mac and PC systems.

I supported students and academics with creative design software and provided technical assistance. I also advised on the production of digital media in the areas of teaching, learning and research.

By designing marketing materials, such as posters, leaflets and signage I helped to attract the attention of both students and academics. This resulted in a reduction of the need to repeat the same information and lab users taking greater care when using the facilities.

I also updated all of the team’s creative documents and hand-outs. For example, I produced a series of infographics that could be both displayed in the labs as posters and shared across their social media accounts.