Librariesto offerfree media education

Mark Branagan

CITIZEN journalism is entering a new era in York – where residents interested in the media can get their hands on the latest technology free of charge.

Free roadshows and workshops are offering media training provided by experts, plus the latest equipment, funded by an 85,000 grant as part of the Government’s transformation fund for the learning revolution.

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As well as explaining iTunes and Facebook, the tutorials also show how to film and edit “vox-pops”.

The sessions will also try to raise people’s expectations of what they can do through community groups in the new learning centre at York Explore – which is due to open this spring.

York Council’s lifelong learning and leisure team opened its new Explore media project this month with a high-tech roadshow at Acomb Explore library learning centre.

This included a temporary TV studio where young volunteers from the local group Khaoz Media got involved in producing a live internet broadcast.

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Library service official Helen Whitehead said: “The first Explore media roadshow was a big success, and the TV studio in particular was great fun.

“It’s great that libraries and Explore centres are able to offer people the chance to get their hands on modern technology for free.

“We’re hoping that once people come along to the roadshows, they will see what media can do for them, and will book on to the free workshops we’ve got coming up too.”

The next free road show is due to take place at Tang Hall Library on Saturday February 27 from 10am until 3pm.

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There is also a series of free workshops throughout February and March – with subjects covering blogging, websites, photography, film, podcasting, social networking, TV broadcasting, radio broadcasting and video editing.

These hands-on workshops are free to anybody over the age of 16. Places can be booked calling York 634748 and more information has been published online at www.york.gov.uk/libraries.

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