SDS DCOMM Concludes Four-Part Lecture Series Ahead of ICAS Symposium

The grand finale of Sunway Diploma Studies (SDS)’s much-anticipated Lecture Series on Incorporating Technology and Creative Content in Teaching and Learning took place, concluding a series of four insightful sessions held over the past few months. This finale was hosted by the Department of Communications.

​The event brought together passionate educators and industry experts to explore innovative approaches that blend cutting-edge technologies with creativity in the classroom. It was kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote delivered by Jan Wong, an inspiring entrepreneur and youth advocate, who captivated the audience by highlighting the transformative potential of combining media, technology, and data to enhance student engagement and foster creative, data-driven learning environments. Wong’s presentation set the tone for a day filled with interactive panels and networking opportunities.

​Following Wong's invaluable keynote, the session continued with Sha’azim Ibhaidullah Dadameah, a lecturer from the Department of Communications at SDS. With his background in Information Technology, Sha’azim delved into the profound impact that technology and multimedia have on modern teaching and learning environments. He emphasized how educators can leverage multimedia tools to create dynamic, interactive learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles, ultimately enhancing student engagement and understanding.

The next session featured two other lecturers from the same department in SDS; Hazwani Husnin, with 14 years of experience in graphic design and multimedia, and Nabila Fatin Yusof, a former advertising executive who has worked with major clients such as ASTRO and Karangkraf. Together, they explored the role of design and advertising in education, showing how creative design tools as well as advertising and branding strategies are beneficial for students.

From ideation to execution, they perfectly highlighted its relationship to the completion of the final product, which is in the form of creative content such as digital advertisement. Hazwani emphasised the use of Miro as an online tool for mind mapping, demonstrating how it aids in brainstorming and planning. On the other hand, Fatin illustrated the connection between advertising and branding, noting how students, when advertising, are also indirectly branding themselves and Sunway College.

​The final session focused on broadcasting, featuring two more lecturers from SDS. Abdul Shakur Abdul Aziz, a former news producer for TV3 with a strong passion for photography, and Muhammad Alyas Abul Jalil, a former producer with experience in design, cartoons, and animation. Both educators showcased the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in broadcasting and content creation.

​Shakur discussed leveraging AI as a source of inspiration, emphasizing how it can serve as an "idea bank" for creative projects. Meanwhile, Alyas underscored the critical role of using precise keywords and prompts to broaden the variety and relevance of the AI-generated content, ensuring that output is both diverse and effective for broadcasting purposes.

The event concluded with a lively Question and Answer (Q&A) session where esteemed panellists satisfied the curiosity from the audience, addressing doubts and expectations for each teaching practice. The event was a resounding success in offering a rich blend of insights from diverse fields, providing educators with practical tools and forward-thinking strategies.

From the integration of media, technology and data to the use of creative design and AI in education, each session demonstrated the power of innovation in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Undoubtedly, participants left with valuable knowledge and inspiration, ready to implement these practices in their classrooms.

The stage is now set for the ICAS Symposium on 21st September, where these discussions will continue on a larger platform, shaping the future of education through technology and creativity.

Written by a lecturer from SDS, Mieza Shafieza Mohd Fuad.