Are you a parent of an incoming college freshman who is into arts? Taking a digital arts college degree is the wisest choice to fulfill his passion, hone his expertise, and build his career. But picking the right school could be a challenge on your part.
While your capacity to finance and sustain his studies is vital, you need to pay attention, too, to the school’s ability to provide your child’s scholastic needs. You have to make sure it can provide the mastery and convenience that your child demands. If money is not much of an issue, which of the best digital arts schools will you consider?
On Taking a Digital Arts College Degree
Consider the following factors when assessing the school’s ability to offer a digital arts course.
1. Curriculum
Before sending your child to school, obtain a copy of the college’s course syllabus and go over its program of study. Look into the subjects it offers to get an overview of the entire curriculum. Make sure the school does not only teach the basics but also exposes its
students to various methods of digital creation. See also if it fits the current and future demands of the industry that your child wishes to join after graduation.
2. Program options
Digital art is a broad discipline that covers diverse fields of study—from 2D and 3D graphics to mobile game development and virtual reality. Make sure you are aware of these digital arts college degree programs, especially their differences. Review each course with your child and choose one that fits his hobbies, skill set, and interests. See, too, if your child desires a bachelor’s degree, a short course, or a double diploma program.
While some course names are identical among most schools, not all offer the same set of subjects and specializations as well. For instance, one school may offer a more traditional Fine Arts degree program, while another may be more up-to-date with the latest technologies and digital trends. Make sure you probe these details, too, when deciding on the best school for your child.
3. Hands-on approach
Many consider hands-on learning to be the most effective way to master digital arts or at least improve or discover your child’s strengths. Compared to a theoretical approach, hands-on experience makes it easier for students to learn things and develop greater proficiency. When they work with actual tools or software, they get a better feel for their tasks and learn practical problem-solving skills. What’s more, they get to practice their craft, boost their credentials, and become a certified professional.
How will you know if a college applies a practical (hands-on) teaching approach? Ask current students on their school’s teaching setup. Inquire about the methods their teachers apply in class and the software or apps they use.
4. Modern tools and facilities
Tools and resources often convey how the school strives to keep up with modernity and mold their students this 21st century. Of course, the more advanced the tools they provide, the easier for their learners to master their tasks and carry out various computer laboratory activities. As an aspiring digital artist, your child needs to learn these tools and maximize these resources so they can compete with their rivals and satisfy the demands of the industry.
Despite the presence of e-books and other online reading materials, libraries remain a good source of knowledge. A well-equipped library will help your child advance his understanding of the field, widen his portfolio, and improve his skills.
In addition, students must have access to wireless internet within the school to help them with their studies, particularly their homework and projects. Every art student would need high-speed internet when completing various graphic design tasks and other projects.
School websites often dedicate a page to feature their amenities and facilities. Browse through this page and look closely at the college’s resources so you can assess its ability to turn theories into hands-on activities.
5. Expert teachers
Nothing beats the quality of education that students can get from real professionals and experts. They can learn industry-relevant techniques that can help them master the ins and outs of the field. Instructors who are likewise industry practitioners can surely bring useful skills to the table. They can teach not just the basics but also the most complex lab applications.
To spy on the school’s roster of faculty members, visit their profiles online, particularly their LinkedIn accounts to learn more about their education, work experience, credentials, and skills. From these specifics, you can easily assess their mastery of the digital arts college degree programs and the subjects they teach.
6. Location
Apart from looking into the quality of education that the school offers, consider as well the location and the distance between the campus and your house. Ask yourself these questions:
– How many minutes or hours will it take before my child reaches the campus?
– Is daily commute convenient for him?
– Does the school promote a safe and healthy environment for their students?
– How much fare will he need to travel to places?
– What are the available modes of transport?
– Are there shops or restaurants close to the campus?
– Is the classroom conducive for learning?
Your answers to these questions are a big help in making a sound decision and in choosing a school that would be most convenient for your child.
7. Application process
When checking out some schools, do not forget to see if their admission procedures and requirements are clear and easy to follow. Do they screen applicants by looking into their portfolios? What documents do they require upon submission?
Of course, you’d prefer a school with an easy and convenient process. With this info displayed, you can prepare ahead of time and anticipate problems that are likely to arise. Sadly, this detail isn’t always accessible on all school websites.
8. Scholarships
Some schools offer scholarship grants for students, based on the set criteria that often include entrance exam and interview results. If your child deserves this grant, do not hesitate to apply. Inquire to know more details about the school’s subsidy programs.
Thoughts to Ponder
Finding the best among the best colleges for digital media arts could be arduous, stressful, and time-consuming for both parent and child. Thus, it helps to keep a checklist of your musts and sort from among a list of options until you reach a good decision. Keep in mind that whatever decision you may have today will bring an impact to your child’s future.
You cannot go wrong with picking the right school as it can help your child mix their creativity with the available tools and resources. So, do a thorough research to narrow down your options. Compare things so you can arrive with a sound judgment. Make sure you select a college that will give your child quality education.
Besides these factors, you also need to ponder on the job openings that await your child. What are the digital arts and design careers lying ahead? Will the future job provide digital arts major salary that can sustain cost of living? What does the current job outlook say about the field your child wishes to join? Schooling is an investment. Hence, guide your child in deciding on the right school. His future depends on what he does today.
Quezon-city based CIIT offers two options for a digital arts college degree, Bachelor of Multimedia Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts, that either matches the demands of various firms and industries. Both employ an industry-focused program of study for all of its courses, coupled with its modern tools. These give the students the must-haves to make learning easy and effective.
Related Articles:
Six Great Reasons to Study Digital Arts in the Philippines
Amazing Things Digital Artists Can Do for Medicine
Sources: aisat.edu.ph | tribecaflashpoint.edu | teachthought.com