Application module of a multimedia laboratory intended to strengthen the competitiveness of university graduate students

Abstract

This study deals with the topic of cooperation between the practice and universities, which is often a conceived notion not only in the academic field but also in the corporate sector, the state administration, international level, in connection also with the fulfilment of the third role of universities. There are many forms and levels of cooperation with practice. The aim of this study is to design a model of a Multimedia Laboratory, its integration into the organizational structure of the university and especially of the faculty. Spaces, equipment and know-how of the multimedia laboratories should be designed for both university students and teachers. It should be the place for the implementation of projects of cooperation with commercial and public practice. The design of the model is based on a quantitative survey conducted among students and graduates of the Faculty of Multimedia Communications at Tomas Bata University in Zlin. This survey was carried out in the form of a questionnaire survey, which was implemented from September 2017 to May 2018. The aim of the survey was to analyse the evaluation of the current setting of the faculty cooperation with the practice from students' point of view, to reveal the motivating factors for the students' involvement in practice, to define visions and ideas of their application in practice, different perceptions of students' strengths and weaknesses (capabilities and skills) versus graduates of the FMC. The purpose of the study is to design measures and ways to make university students more effective by engaging them in the Multimedia Lab, thereby acquiring practical skills, acquiring methods of design thinking, and also deepening their soft skills. These skills are an important benchmark for employers and the added value of a 21st century graduate. The outcome of the whole process is the higher employability of graduates in the labour market, leading to easier entry of graduates into working life. The study will set out generalizable recommendations for the creation of a multimedia laboratory within the framework of higher education and the possible effects on its establishment and functioning.