Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism

Perception of Digital Media Training in Selected Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Silahs Chemwaina

Journalism education and training is changing due to the rapidly evolving information communication technologies. These technological developments have transformed the media environment leading to new ways of communication. As a result, there has been concern about the impact of digital technologies and consequently, appropriateness of journalism training in Kenya. The purpose of the study was therefore to establish the perception of digital media training in four selected universities in Kenya. The study was guided by the diffusion of innovation theory which highlights the need for learners to acquire appropriate knowledge for the purposes of employment and career development. The study adopted a survey research design targeting a total population of 223. Mixed research approach with quantitative as well as qualitative techniques was used in the study. The findings show that the study digital media training is essential in giving hands on training to graduates and empowers them with adequate competencies and skills that they can use in the market such as in the process of collecting, processing and packaging news in the right way. The findings also revealed that journalism programs are too conceptual and spend little time on practical journalistic skills such as online reporting, computer applications, digital editing among other courses. Time spent on theory classes especially in teaching practical oriented courses is not useful for the daily lives of journalists. It is recommended that universities should review journalism training and integrate their curricula with digital media courses required by the market. Furthermore, the study recommends that journalism departments need to identify and provide resources that enhance the quality of digital media training.