BTVI Media Technology student, Prince Tinker, is shown here behind upgraded cameras, bought to facilitate the programme which is heading into its sixth year.
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently commissioned a state-of-the-art Media Production lab that positions its students on the cutting edge of the fast-moving, creative and competitive field of media technology.
Some equipment acquisitions include pro switcher professional cameras with studio rigs and digital teleprompter, digital camcorders, an 85-inch digital video interactive wall and chroma key wall to support virtual sets and a digital audio board and microphone systems to support studio and field production. The department also boasts a professional stage complete with truss and canopy, professional sound system and production lights.
Sixty students are currently enrolled in the programme.
Acting Head of Department for Electronics and Media Technology, Alexia Coakley, said since the programme was launched in 2017, the team has been making strategic moves.
“BTVI has the most technologically advanced media production lab in the country. We are excited to finally have a presence. A space now exists. We see this as one of the fastest growing areas of study at BTVI. We know once people see what we offer, we can only anticipate more. Students are migrating from the certificate to the degree programme. They see tangible investment,” said Ms. Coakley.
BTVI offers a certificate and associate of applied science degree in Media Technology. The hands-on programme exposes students to a blend of theoretical and practical training in video, television and audio production.
Considered a significant capital investment in the programme, the lab allows for instruction of individuals at industry standards.
“We are the beneficiaries of great confidence from the BTVI board and the institute’s leadership, who have bought into the vision. It is because of their investment,” said Ms. Coakley.
“We teach people how to do. When they walk out of here, they can fluently speak the language and know what they need to do. It’s beyond the fundamentals. We engage industry stakeholders in terms of instruction and advisory capacities, and that’s because we want students to leave here ready for industry,” she added.
An example of such success is 2022 graduate, Alexandria Pinder, who is the producer of Rodney Moncur’s Freedom March show simultaneously aired on 103.5 The Beat and ILTV. Ms. Pinder landed the job immediately following her internship. Another success story is Doni Sweeting, who recently became a ZNS cameraman.
“For my audio production class, we had to produce a podcast. I had no idea how to do it. I was in charge of recording everyone’s voices, finding the music to include, editing the voices and figuring out how to use the software …truly, I wish I came to BTVI a lot earlier. It definitely gives you more hands-on experience as you prepare to go into the work environment,” said Mr. Sweeting.
Student, Nathan Bowe, also expressed his appreciation for the practical aspect of the programme.
“Radio Production instructor, Anthony Coakley, uses humor to make his lessons more engaging and invites us to events so we can gain more hands-on experience,” said Mr. Bowe.
Additionally, having spent over 25 years in the media industry, Ms. Coakley has exposed the students to covering on and off-campus events including, but not limited to BTVI live streamed press conferences, alumni awards, fashion shows, cultural events organised by The Bahamas Independence Secretariat to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary and the 2023 Carifta Games. The Media Technology Department will also play a critical role in BTVI’s 2023 New Providence commencement exercise, which will be streamed live on its Facebook page on 6th July 2023.
“I want to give back at this stage of my career and empower the next generation,” said Ms. Coakley, a former station manager.
Veteran broadcaster, Carlton Smith, is credited with developing the programme at BTVI, which is driven by industry professionals, while the vision is that of former Head of Department, Delano Archer.
“They really started something special,” said Ms. Coakley.
Office of Public Relations
Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute
Old Trail Road Campus
P.O. Box N-4934
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 502-6300
Established by an Act of Parliament, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute is the primary educational organisation which provides technical vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. Its vision is to be known for its innovativeness, quality customer care and high standards in preparing adults throughout the archipelago for the world of work.