CBSE Introduces New Elective in Mass Media this Year
In pursuance of its policy of expanding the choice of subjects available for students
and enhance their employability opportunities, the Central
Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce
Mass Media Studies as an elective subject at the senior secondary
level (Class 12) from the current academic year.
"The course was launched last year in few select schools on a pilot basis. After
getting good response from the students, we have decided to make it as a part of
the elective subjects in Class XII," said Vineet Joshi,
Chairperson of CBSE.
CBSE has tied up with a major media institute to start the programme. Students will
be given joint certificates by CBSE and the institute.
The name of the institute has been kept under wraps.
Till date, CBSE has introduced over 30 vocational courses at the senior secondary
level. "As part of the course, students will be given comprehensive understanding
of the five principal mass media: film, TV, print, radio
and internet," said an official of CBSE.
The course will give the students an insight into the evolution of mass media and
the understanding that how its content shapes one's thoughts, vision, ethics and
action.
In order to start the course, the board has asked its affiliate-schools to have
required infrastructure. "CBSE wants to enhance the employability opportunities
of students and wants to train them in various non-conventional courses. The board
has been expanding the choice of subjects for students at regular intervals with
introduction of new subjects," the official added.
However, several CBSE affiliate schools feel that it would take a few years to equip
themselves well with required infrastructure, before starting vocational courses.
"The main concern is the required infrastructure to start the courses. We simply
cannot start a course in mass media studies, without all the digital equipment and
software. And, most of them are very expensive," a principal of a Bangalore school
pointed out.
Courtesy: msn Education
