Top Equipment Motivators for Media Students: What’s Driving Their Creativity?
When it comes to hands-on media education – whether in journalism, filmmaking, or broadcasting – access to the right tools can make all the difference. But beware the hype about having the flashiest tech on the block. In reality, students are more highly motivated by something much more fundamental. According to the findings from the Connect2 survey at the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) convention, it’s freedom of choice, accessibility and quality that’s keeping them inspired.
So for those organising access to university equipment, there are some basic guiding principles that should be observed. Does your equipment centre and its lending service meet expectations on the choice and condition of equipment available to students? Can they get their hands on items easily? Finally, what support is provided for selecting and using items correctly?
Review all these areas and you’re really addressing what students need most. They will be able to prepare for the creative process in a way that enables them to feel in control and more capable of producing strong results. Read on for further details on what’s involved.
Survey Results – Top Motivators
Here’s what staff feel gets students most excited and engaged when it comes to using university-issued equipment:
So let’s take a closer look at the Top 5 motivating factors:
1. Variety is the Spark
Leading the list of motivators is access to a wide range of equipment to use. It’s not just about having gear – it’s about having the right gear for each unique story or project. So make sure there are lots of options available.
Students are motivated by having the opportunity to experiment with equipment – this in itself is an important part of their university studies. The ability to try out different tools opens up more storytelling possibilities and nurtures technical versatility by developing a wider skillset.
2. Reliable Tools Support Better Work
Equipment condition really matters. Media production often involves tight deadlines and high standards, so if equipment is damaged, unreliable, or inconsistent, it can derail an entire project. Students need to trust that what they borrow will work first time and perform well under pressure, just like in professional environments.
Students are also better motivated if equipment doesn’t look old and tired. If you have a number of the same items, it’s better to rotate them routinely, rather than handing out the same scuffed up examples each time.
Good condition = less stress + greater morale + more creativity
3. Good Availability Builds Confidence
It’s important equipment is available in sufficient quantities to ensure all students are able to meet deadlines. If only a few pieces of gear are accessible at any one time, it creates a fraught and competitive environment and can even lead to students missing critical assignments or practice opportunities. Good availability also ensures students feel the university is investing in their success, leading to greater pride in their school and their work.
Wide availability = a fair shot at success for all
4. Simplicity and Empowerment Go Hand-in-Hand
A simple process to access gear is really important. A total 77% agreed or strongly agreed that an easy and straightforward process helps maintain enthusiasm levels.
A streamlined reservation and checkout process is not just convenient, it’s empowering. When equipment is easy to reserve and quick to checkout, students have more energy and enthusiasm for the task in hand. They will also be better organised.
5. Support Still Matters – A Lot
Also ranking high, support for selecting the right equipment. Students value a guiding hand just as much as they value freedom. The message is clear, motivation grows when students know they’re not navigating their equipment choices alone. Having experts nearby who can help them make the right call is a huge boost.
Help when using the equipment is also valued, but not quite as highly than at these critical early stages of a project. After all, it’s much easier to have errors rectified at the reservation or issue stage than further down the line. It’s also the time to ensure you have everything needed. It’s not just what you choose that matters, but what you might forget that can frustrate and delay projects.
Other significant factors helping to support motivation levels include:
Higher quality equipment access with course progression
Having access to higher grade cameras and other gear as they progress through their studies keeps students engaged year after year towards graduation. But how do you make the most of this incentive to keep them persevering?
If your lending service is able to showcase the full range of what’s on offer even before students qualify to use it, it helps keep them captivated and committed to learning more. It may not be practical to have the full range of equipment visible at the checkout counter, but a well-designed online catalogue can be an effective solution. A case in point is Connect2, which controls what students can use by year of study but still allows a wider range to be visible – encouraging students to work hard and master the more basic equipment before moving on to more exciting tech.
Latest models provided
Finally, access to the latest equipment models sometimes counts. There was less consensus here, but still 60% were in agreement that the latest tech is a source of student motivation. Here it may depend on the school or program of study, but this is still a differentiator in many cases with students competing to get their hands on the newest models available.
Budget restrictions may mean quantities of the latest camera model are limited however. So the next best thing is ensuring everyone gets an equal opportunity to access one. Good loan practices that prevent students from hogging kit are needed for this. A maximum loan duration can ensure in-demand items have time to circulate more widely and students should be encouraged to return items on time.
In Conclusion
While cutting-edge gear can be exciting, it should be noted that students are primarily motivated by choice, condition and availability of items along with ease of access and support. Universities that invest in their equipment, while streamlining the loan process and investing in training and support staff are setting their students up for success – not just technically, but creatively and professionally too.
For those that do care about the latest equipment models, ensure you uphold a system of fair access so that students get an equal chance to use it. This way, they’ll enjoy the opportunity without fear of missing out.
Connect2 – Supporting Student Motivation
Connect2 equipment management software gives students the assurance they will always have all they need to perform well. It removes the doubt and worry around project planning, through the easy advance reservation process, plus the ability for staff to monitor and advise on equipment choices when necessary. It creates a borrowing environment with much higher levels of confidence and motivation.
The highly visual equipment catalogue showcases the full range of your resources, giving students better awareness of all that’s available to them as well as a base to learn about the equipment. They have every opportunity to use and be excited by all that’s on offer (N.B. If resources apply to specific years or programs of study, Connect2 controls visibility and/or restricts booking these items as needed).
Finally, Connect2 leads to better availability of resources for all. The system supports faster turnaround in the equipment store, while regular communications minimise late returns and losses. Equipment stays in better condition, with maintenance and repairs managed in the system, and staff freed up to spend more time on maintaining items, and far fewer hours on inventory admin.
It all leads to better resourcing, a better experience and greater motivation. Get in touch to find out more.
