The way content is created, published, and communicated is complex and quickly evolving. For students interested in careers in storytelling and communications across disciplines like journalism, writing, media, design, video production and filmmaking, opportunities abound. Yet, with the evolution of digital channels, identifying and understanding those opportunities can be challenging. Students need first-hand exposure to content creation and creators, as well as the unique and inspiring work they do to tell stories, advocate for causes, and convey ideas within and across communities. Ahead of Class Intercom’s fourth annual Content Generation Workshop, here’s a look at the benefits of student workshopping events and their impact.
1. Students gain direct exposure to careers and opportunities.
Hands-on experience and exposure to career and educational pursuits can change the way students feel about their unique strengths. The Content Generation Workshop helps students understand the power and responsibility of creating content for social media channels–and all the skills that go into it, from surfacing stories to research and interviews, and from writing compelling copy to editing it for accuracy and conventions and compiling engaging visuals that capture interest. Indeed there are career pursuits in all of these dynamic and evolving fields–but students don’t always know they exist until they’re exposed to professionals and hear more about their stories.
2. Students connect with other students with similar interests.
Student workshops–especially those centered on specific skills and disciplines–bring students together around shared interests. Not only do they learn together, but (given the right environment) they’re able to see and share work from other student teams. This sparks fresh ideas and helps individuals and student teams lean into their strengths and improve upon their weaknesses. It also creates connections that reinforce learning and the pursuit of these skills and interests.
3. Students gain skills and knowledge.
Workshopping provides a unique combination of hands-on exposure to experts, other students, technology, and equipment in an environment where they can experiment and ask questions. At the Content Generation Workshop, for example, students participate in a series of Quick Hit Challenges that help them apply the concepts and skills they learn in speaker sessions to create actual content for their school social media accounts. Students use their space, teams, equipment, backdrops, and other on-hand resources to think outside the box and push their conventional approaches. In doing so, they’re able to get outside their comfort zones and tell stories in new and interesting ways. At the same time, educators and administrators maintain control over the content that’s ultimately published to school social media accounts at the event and beyond.
4. Students think differently about storytelling.
Exposure to diverse content creators, career opportunities, practical tips, new skills, and social media impact stories ultimately helps students think differently about how they craft stories. This includes both the privilege and responsibility of interviewing subjects, doing research, and bringing stories to life both visually and in writing. This is a powerful skillset for both students and the schools to which they belong–helping humanize experiences and convey important and innovative ideas. At the same time, these stories cast schools and the work students and teachers do in a positive light, helping schools develop more symbiotic relationships with their communities.
5. Students produce better content with digital citizenship in mind.
Equipped with skills, insights, and inspiration, students and educators are better prepared to plan, capture, and create content that tells school stories in unique and meaningful ways. In fact, with the right systems and processes in place, students can dig into school social media, capturing stories from their unique perspectives and ensuring diverse and inclusive narratives. Meanwhile, educators and administrators maintain oversight and control while reaping the benefits of a team of content creators. Of course, exposure to the impact and responsibility of social media content also inspires students to ensure the content they produce is aligned with good digital citizenship practices.
The Content Generation Workshop
In partnership with the University of Nebraska’s globally recognized College of Journalism and Mass Communications, we at Class Intercom have set out to bring students together with exactly these goals in mind. The Content Generation Workshop is set for October 19, 2023, and will attract students to the University for its main event, as well as to satellite locations in a handful of cities across the country. Students can also attend virtually! We can’t wait to see you there.
Interested in registering your student team to attend (in-person or virtually)? Follow the link below to learn more and register.
