Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “AI for Media Educators and Researchers”
Date: 04 to 06 May 2026
The Department of Media Studies, in collaboration with DataLEADS, New Delhi, conducted a six-day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “AI for Media Educators and Researchers” from 04th May to 09th May. The event began with an inspiring inaugural address by the Hon'ble VC, Fr. Dr. Augustine George. He emphasised the need for AI learning in the current context. Dr. Aby Augustine, Head of the Department, delivered a welcome address, and the prelude was presented by Dr. Jai Kishon Goswami, FDP Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Media Studies. He said that 121 participants from across India, covering 15 states and UTs, including 02 international participants, are attending this FDP.

After the inaugural session by Dr. Jinu K Varghese, Assistant Professor, Manipal Institute of Communication, Udupi, Karnataka, which covered how to create Audio-Visual content for the classroom, he also taught about AI tools such as Business by NotebookLM, Gamma, and other platforms useful for media education and research. The session focused on the ethical use of AI in academic writing, content creation, and research-oriented learning.

On the second day of the FDP, Dr. Jai Kishon Goswami, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, conducted an insightful session on “AI in Media Content Creation using NotebookLM.” The session highlighted practical applications of AI tools in media production, research, and academic workflows. The third day featured a thought-provoking session by Prof. (Dr.) Shilpi Jha, Dean, School of Media and Humanities, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (Deemed to be University), Faridabad, Haryana. She discussed “AI and Academia-Industry Interface,” emphasising how AI is transforming academic practices, professional skills, and industry collaboration. Day four featured Prof. Umesh Arya, Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, Haryana, who discussed “AI Applications for Research” and shared valuable perspectives on the topic. The session focused on how AI can enhance research efficiency, analysis, academic productivity, and scholarly competency. Day five was conducted by Ms Parul Goswami, Director, DataLEADS, New Delhi. The session highlighted the importance of responsible AI usage and reinforced the idea that AI should support, not replace, human intelligence and decision-making. At the end of Day 6, the FDP concluded with an assessment programme, making the entire experience both interactive and outcome-oriented.

Empowering Media Educators: Faculty Development Programme on Transmedia Storytelling
The Department of Media Studies organised Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Transmedia Storytelling, a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping media studies faculty members with advanced skills in media production from May 30 to June 07, 2024. The FDP featured a series of expert-led sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of media storytelling and production.

Session 1: Narratives of the Everyday
Resource Person: Prof. Swati Dandekar, Dean, Film Programmes, Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology
Prof. Swati Dandekar emphasized the critical role of observation in creating compelling narratives. She articulated that keen observation allows storytellers to capture the essence of their subjects, leading to more authentic and relatable stories. By paying attention to the subtleties and nuances of everyday life, media professionals can craft narratives that resonate deeply with their audiences. Prof. Dandekar also highlighted how ordinary events and experiences, often overlooked, can be transformed into powerful narratives, encouraging participants to look beyond the obvious and find stories in the mundane.

Session 2: Mastering Cinematography Techniques
Resource Person: Mr. Aby Augustine, Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti College
The second session offered an in-depth exploration of the technical and creative facets of cinematography. Mr. Aby Augustine provided expert guidance on advanced camera techniques, lighting setups, and visual storytelling methods, enhancing the faculty's ability to teach and implement high-quality cinematographic practices in their work.

Session 3: Mastering Photography Techniques
Resource Person: Mr. Harish Kumar S., Professional Photographer
Led by professional photographer Mr. Harish Kumar S., this hands-on session covered advanced photography techniques crucial for enriching transmedia narratives. The session included practical demonstrations and provided participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. This training significantly enhanced the faculty's media production skills and their ability to integrate photography into transmedia storytelling.

Session 4: Mastering the Art of Newsletter Design
Resource Person: Ms. Namitha Raveendranathan, Metaverse Innovation Analyst and Designer, Shell
Ms. Namitha Raveendranathan enlightened the faculty on creating newsletters that attract the target audience. She covered essential design principles and layout elements, emphasizing layout aesthetics. The session concluded with a hands-on experience in Adobe InDesign, allowing participants to apply their newfound knowledge practically. This training not only enhances the faculty's skills but also has significant implications for student training, preparing them for real-world media production tasks with proficiency in industry-standard software.

Session 5: Mastering Audio and Video Editing
Resource Person: Mr. Bino Joseph, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science (PG) Kristu Jayanti College
Mr. Bino Joseph focused on the critical aspects of audio and video editing. He delved into understanding the audio spectrum, explaining how to layer audio effectively and transform dry audio to wet audio for a more polished final product. The session concluded with a hands-on experience in Adobe Audition, allowing participants to practically apply their new skills. This training enhances the faculty's expertise while significantly benefiting student training, ensuring students are well-prepared for industry demands with proficiency in tools like Adobe Audition.

Session 06: Advanced Video Editing
Resource Persons: Mr. Bino Joseph and Mr. Aby Augustine
The concluding session, led by Bino Joseph and Aby Augustine, was dedicated to video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the software and practical insights into its tools and processes. Participants were guided through both basic and advanced editing techniques, with hands-on experience that allowed them to apply their newfound knowledge in real-time.