These are broad and challenging areas of communication. This is so since these areas are currently undergoing constant and rapid innovations and developments in telecommunication and technology. Invariably, the nature of mass communication is now facing challenges from technologies that empower individuals to create dedicated networks that cater for their communication needs, information interest and political aspirations. For instance, in the field of mass communication and journalism there is no longer the need to teach students the old fashioned linear, vertical flow of communication. The new forms of mediation and dissemination make information flow so diverse and sometimes messy such that make it is difficult to grasp the source of information.
Interestingly, this constantly shifting area gives the teacher an advantage of constantly upgrade my knowledge. Rapid changes in information technology, developments in Internet and the open nature of the net is exciting. I am constantly stumbling on new ideas, ways of thinking and doing things from the net. Some how it enriches my experiences and broadens my horizon.
For me the future of mass communication and media use by people promises to be interesting. Now and for the first time in the history of global information and communication flow, the individual has personal power to see, hear and watch what he desires. There are alternatives that enable personal choices. Digitalization provides people with numerous media forms to choose from. For the first time the individual can also create, and manipulate what he or she needs to know to keep him or her informed. The challenge therefore is on media lecturers to begin to recognize this changes and enable our students engage this future.
