Bridging Academia and Industry: A Triple-Win Strategy for Communication Education in Taiwan

Abstract

Media convergence has blurred the boundaries between different media sectors. The rise of digital technologies and AI presents substantial challenges, demanding a transformation in Taiwan's journalism and communication education. Based on Albert Bandura's social learning theory and taking the Department of Mass Communication case at Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, this paper proposes a one-year experimental program in which the department will collaborate with several media companies to offer paid internship positions. This industry-academia collaboration project has received funding support of NT$800,000 (approximately USD24,000) from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor. It is estimated that 40 to 50 students will enroll in the courses, and among them, 15 undergraduate students from Chinese Culture University will be selected to work in the internship companies, including new, traditional media, and emerging tech companies. Furthermore, the companies have agreed to prioritize hiring those who perform well as future full-time employees. This study has significant academic and practical implications. First, it extends the applicability of social learning theory in Taiwan's context and communication education. Second, this industry-academia cooperation program offers students the opportunity to learn and accumulate experiences in two critical fields: the classroom and the workplace. This initiative marks a crucial milestone in communication education by bridging the gap between industry and academia. It also serves as a valuable reference model for advancing media education. Taiwan's experience can provide a valuable reference for countries with similarly competitive industrial environments requiring new generations of media professionals in communication education.

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Author Information
Yu-Li Wang, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan
Chen-Yi Lee, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan
Tai-Jui Wang, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan

• Category: Higher Education

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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