
Technology, arts and students come together for work-integrated learning
Students of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Interactive Design and Technology (IDT) program are exploring work life at the MacKenzie Art Gallery (MAG) through a new work-integrated learning partnership.
The unique experience marks an exciting chapter for the tech-savvy aspiring digital
artists and designers who find themselves at the centre of creativity and innovation.
Students marry art and design with technology through practical projects to create
interactive installations and digital experiences for visitors of the MAG, Saskatchewan’s
oldest public art gallery with a permanent collection that spans 5,000 years and nearly
5,000 works of art.
“Students in the IDT program will receive hands-on training at a world-class institution
through this partnership. Sask Polytech continues to lead the charge in experiential
learning to train the next generation of professionals. We’re proud to be the force
behind the workforce,” states Kristen Craig, interim dean of the School of Information
and Communications Technology.
Notes Shannon Yashcheshen IDT instructor, “In my years of teaching, I’ve seen many
talented students, but I’ve never been more excited than I am now about the incredible
opportunity our students have to work on digital design projects with the MacKenzie
Art Gallery. This collaboration is a chance for our students to immerse themselves
in the world of art and technology like never before.”
Students have a chance to implement what they’ve learned about various forms of digital
media, including graphics, audio, video and animation. The avant-garde storytelling
techniques allow students to showcase their knowledge of foundational principles of
design, such as colour theory and user-centered design, alongside technical aspects,
including programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
“This partnership provides the MacKenzie Art Gallery with an opportunity to learn
from and alongside Sask Polytech students. We are excited to share the things we are
passionate about and explore new perspectives and approaches to our offerings and
programs through meaningful feedback and the fresh energy of the students,” notes Nicolle Nugent, curator of education at the Regina gallery.
Joshua Rohde, current IDT student, is ecstatic to collaborate with the MAG. “I’m very
excited to work more professionally with the gallery. I appreciate this amazing opportunity
to work and hone my skills, and I can’t wait to see where it can take me.” he says.
Adds fellow student Palmer Spence, “I am excited to see the exhibits, attend events
and to be part of the gallery’s community. This opportunity will be a source of inspiration
for my own designs and help me continue to grow as an artist and designer.”
IDT students will work on projects for the gallery several times a year thanks to
the ongoing partnership. Through work-integrated learning, students receive mentorship
and hands-on experience in the creation and implementation of digital design and technology
projects for the MAG, such as event photography, social media campaign creation, and
audio and video projects for art gallery events. These enriching assignments connect
them to real-world projects the MAG may use in the future. As part of the mentorship,
students receive feedback on design projects and have access to presentations and
lectures on curriculum topics from communications and educational coordinators at
the art gallery.
“The MacKenzie Art Gallery is a leading authority on creativity, and their mentorship
will be invaluable. I believe this experience will not only enhance our students’
skills but also ignite their passion for digital art in ways they never imagined.
Our students are about to embark on a journey of creative exploration, and I can’t
wait to see the extraordinary work that will come out of this collaboration,” explains
Yashcheshen.
Adds Nugent, “Having a two-year commitment with this program and these particular
students means that we can explore deep connections and establish reciprocal relationships,
something that is rare for us within our existing museum education frameworks. I can’t
wait to see what is created and anticipate many rich conversations to be had.”
Throughout the IDT program, students experiment with emerging technologies like 3D
printing, augmented and virtual reality. To best prepare students for life after convocation,
the IDT program offers a variety of work-integrated learning opportunities through
local businesses and organizations.
Quality experiential education is one of the cornerstones of Sask Polytech, as it
provides students with the ability to develop, apply, and validate the skills necessary
to prepare them for the workforce. Through work-integrated learning, students have
the opportunity to apply the practical skills they learn at Sask Polytech in a work
environment and bring workplace skills back to the classroom. Work-integrated learning
could include capstone projects, co-operative education work terms, practicums and
unique partnerships like the one with the MAG.
Learn more about Sask Polytech’s Interactive Design and Technology program.