PRP: Artefact 1 - The Evaluation

For my first artefact I carried out verbal interviews with 10 current Multimedia students from varying levels and pathways. I recorded these interviews in audio format. The questions were based around their reasons for studying Multimedia, their expectations of Multimedia, inspirations from role models in the industry, intimidation by technology, future career prospects and women’s expected roles and subjects.

From the test I discovered that Multimedia seems to be a continuation or follow on from subjects like Art, IT and Media. Students find that confidence is something that holds them back especially from furthering their knowledge in technical areas. They find that technology can be intimidating in certain situations. It was highlighted that men tend to pick things up quicker and this may be due to interest, i.e. women are just not interested in technology. They agreed that to a certain extent it is women’s attitudes and assumptions that sometimes limit them from prospering.

I found that majority of the students feel more comfortable when working around women and they are motivated or inspired by them. However when asked if they were influenced or inspired by a Multimedia practitioner in the industry only 30 % could quote a name.

This raised the question of whether there are women in high status roles within Multimedia and if there are, why are they unheard of or not publicised as much. In order to explore this further I will need to look into how current women practitioners began their career and what, or who supported them. I need to gain a deeper understanding of what women in the industry think of their representation and what can be done in order to improve this. Or what can encourage and inform more women Multimedia students about their particular prospects within the industry.