Varsity trains girls to fly drone cameras

Belagavi: As many as 21 girl students in the journalism and mass communication (JCM) stream in Karnataka State Women’s University, Vijayapura, are being trained to operate drone cameras. The first woman varsity of the state and named after the 12th century saint Akka Mahadevi, has embarked on a new experiment, considering the potential of drone journalism in the future.
Under the drone journalism programme, the students are given primary training after which they are given drones that they can operate independently. The programme is for a week and if needed, the training is continued until the students can capture visuals from certain heights. Sandeep Nayak, assistant professor of JCM is training the students.
“We have incorporated this programme, considering the potential use of drones in the future in media. Drone cameras are commonly used to cover political functions and open programmes. Some media houses have already started using drones. As drone journalism is likely to become popular, students must know about it,” Onkar Kakade, HoD of the JCM department told TOI.
He added that drone operating is not easy as it looks. Only experts can handle them and capture attractive pictures. “Since revolutionary changes are coming in the journalism field, we must change accordingly. Students should get employable skills. Hence, we have created a hands-on-experience ambience for students; where they should not feel they are learning in the classrooms but in a media house. Our journalism programme includes theory and practical knowledge about print, electronic and digital media. Now we have incorporated drone journalism considering its growing importance,” added Kakade.
According to journalism student Supriya Patil, handling various media equipment is a quality of good journalists. “Drone journalism is gradually picking up larger space in the media. By giving us drone training, the university is making us ready for new age journalism,” she said.
Sushma Samsuddi, another student, said “Drones can be used effectively during flood situations. We can send good visuals to the government to understand the reality of the situation. Drone camera operating skills really help in the media field.”