Hello there! Teachers and students are excited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Journalism at BSU. In a time where traditional journalism meets cutting-edge innovation, the Faculty of Journalism is blazing a trail. Joining us is a group of students of the Faculty of journalism , to discuss future of School of Journalism. Daria Skvartsova, a third-year student, international journalism department and Xue Zhenying, a fourth-year student, international journalism department are conducting an interview.
Students Diverse and Elegant Weekend
Daria: Hello there!
Xue Zhenying: Good morning, guys! Weekend is coming! On Saturday I am planning to master my photography skills, to be ready for my classes in Journalism.What are you thinking of doing ? Are you most of the time doing papers and writing letters?
Mikhail Kovtun: You know I usually spend weekends with my family. I am busy with my university assignments, and my parents do work projects on Saturday. And we also do the household chores. On Sunday we are leaving Minsk for a day. I am always happy to go on a short trip to Brest, which is a modern tourist city full of historical buildings.
Wang Yanbing: Sounds actual! Well, but this weekend I need to go to BCEG to do work I am responsible for. On Sunday evening, I am going to the park with my pet, it’s my dog.
Daria: Nice! Do you have any family rituals?
Nadezhda Astapkovich: Oh yes! Having breakfast together has become our family tradition. My mom and I are cooking delicious pancakes this weekend or it can be cheesecakes!
Daria: That’s fine! Are members of your family keen swimmers? Do you ever go to the swimming pool?
Nadezhda Astapkovich:. Sport is an essential part of my life, so I normally go to the pool with my younger brother and sister on Sunday. I am keen on swimming!
Daria: Sounds good.Is there anybody who is thinking of doing nothing this weekend ?
Liao Yaoxing: It’s me! You know it has been really a hard working time. So all I want to do this weekend is to stay at home and relax watching movies.
Daria: I suppose people can do what they want, but only for a while. Many students of our Faculty come from different parts of Belarus. How often do you go to see your families?
Daria Gorskina: Twice a month. I’m going to my home city Mogilev this weekend. I might visit my grandparents and go for a walk with my dad. I am also going to the salon to get a manicure done.
Vasilina Kozlova: Me too. I plan to go to my hometown. For me, staying with my family is the best way to spend a weekend. This is an opportunity to get away from all the problems, take a breath and relax after living in a big and noisy city.
Daria Shishko: You know, I haven’t visited my parents for a long time and I really miss home. So I am meeting my family, friends and former classmates.
Alexandra Fedonyuk: Spending time with loved ones is very important to me. This way I can fill myself with energy for the week.
Xue Zhenying: Do you keep up with the city’s tempo?
Kamran Nabiev: Sure! On Saturday morning I am jogging in the park or going to the gym. I am meeting my friends for lunch at my favorite café, where we discuss the latest news and just have a good time.
Uliyana: I am going shopping this weekend. And I am meeting friends at a coffee shop to talk and enjoy delicious coffee.
Darya Zakabluk: That sounds promising! I come from Minsk and would rather stay for the weekend in the city. Back in 2022, I visited the cat museum, which is located in the center of Minsk at Internationalnaya, 23. I really want to visit this place again, because in the Cat Museum you can meet friendly cats, as well as get acquainted with cat-themed works of art. Everyone can draw their cat (drawing tools are provided), and then exhibit their drawing in the museum. In a small cat café located in the Cat Museum, you can enjoy a cup of excellent cat coffee and cat tea. At the weekend, I will definitely go to admire the works of art and chat with charming cats!
Digital Transformation of Journalism School
Daria: Everyone has different plans for the weekend, that’s great! At the same time, we are united by the Faculty of Journalism. How will we successfully execute upon our digital transformation strategy? What do students learn at futuristic School of Journalism?
Vasilina Kozlova: I am one hundred percent sure students learn to use artificial intelligence, analyze data arrays, create reports in virtual reality, use neural networks to create content and visualize information.
Daria: I see. Let’s talk about how Journalism education can be impacted in the digital realm?
Liao Yaoxing: With the development of digital technology, the School of Journalism will strengthen research and teaching in emerging fields such as multimedia technology, data journalism, and artificial intelligence. Students will learn to use advanced tools and software to create more attractive and influential news works.
Xue Zhenying: Is hands-on experience of how AI can be used to improve the efficiency and quality of news production through a number of practical projects practiced ?
Kamran Nabiev: I think the futuristic facility of journalism promises to be a dynamic and adaptive environment, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance the way news is gathered, produced, and consumed.
Vasilina Kozlova: Agree. The Faculty of the Future is not just a place of study, but a platform for creating new formats of journalism and developing critical thinking.
Daria: How do you envision the future of the Faculty of Journalism with the use of technology and artificial intelligence?
Mikhail Kovtun: In the future, robots may work in the Faculty of Journalism at Belarusian State University but won’t replace the knowledge and talents of students and teachers. They might greet and guide students and assist in classrooms, using advanced technology and AI. Security robots will also be present. The facility could feature automated systems, large digital tablets for educational information, high-speed elevators, and virtual reality-equipped classrooms.
Nataliya Skuratova: Exactly so, imagine the Faculty of Journalism at BSU in 2050, where classrooms are equipped with AI assistants, holograms, and virtual reality, enabling students to report globally without leaving Minsk. Learning is interactive and tailored to each student, with personalized AI-designed plans focusing on various journalism fields. Ethics remain central as students master fact-checking in a misinformation-laden world. An innovation lab helps students create new tools like AI for detecting fake news. This futuristic faculty isn’t just for studying—it’s where future journalists learn to shape the world.
Cultivating Diverse Skills for Digital Age
Daria: Super! How do you see the role of technology in shaping the future of Journalism?
Daria Gorskinа: Innovative technologies will play a vital role in the educational process. They will teach not only standard skills, but also the use of innovations. The futuristic faculty of journalism will train real professionals in their field, capable of adapting to the changing world of media. The Faculty of Journalism will become a platform for shaping the future of journalism.
Wang Yanbing: The future journalism school may cultivate a variety of talents, including: Cross-media reporters: Reporters who can report on different platforms (such as text, video, and audio); Data journalists: professionals who are good at using data analysis tools and techniques to refine data stories. Technology innovators: Innovators who use new technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enrich the news experience. These talents will help the news industry adapt to the rapidly changing media environment and ensure the accuracy and credibility of information.
Daria: How will journalism education at BSU evolve in the future, and what skills will be important for future journalists?
Katerina Shcherbakova: The Faculty of Journalism at BSU teaches students to write and share news accurately, helping the public understand the world. As technology evolves, the faculty must adapt, training journalists to use digital tools, distinguish truth from lies, and think critically. The future of BSU’s Journalism Faculty is intertwined with Belarusian journalism, aiming to prepare professionals who will use new technologies to spread truth and shape public opinion. Future journalists will not just report events, but also critique reality, contributing to societal development and ensuring freedom of speech.
Margarita Sycheva: Most likely, The information age is rapidly changing the journalism profession. The future Faculty of Journalism will integrate modern technologies, such as AI, data analysis, and virtual reality into teaching. Students will receive multidisciplinary training, combining journalism with psychology, sociology, law, and media production to create high-quality content. Critical thinking, media ethics, and international issues will be emphasized to prepare students for global and responsible journalism.
Anastasia Khmelinko: Sure, The journalism faculty continually adapts to societal and technological changes to stay ahead in the information sphere. Future research and educational approaches will enhance students’ critical thinking. Programs will be developed to teach students skills in various communication channels, such as social networks, video platforms, and blogs. Given the scarcity of information and spread of fake news, the faculty will emphasize expertise and responsibility in reporting.
Karina Tuzhik: All right, I envision the Faculty of Journalism at BSU as a future hub of innovation, where students learn with the latest tools and techniques. It will emphasize practice-oriented training, including internships, international projects, and media creation using advanced technologies. Research on media’s societal impact will be a key focus, with active student participation. The faculty will stress the ethical aspects of journalism, ensuring graduates understand their responsibility to society. This will be a place where students develop critical thinking, creativity, and self-confidence.
Nadezhda Astapkovich: As for me, adapting to new forms of media: learning how to create content for various platforms — from social networks to podcasts and video blogs — will become an integral part of the learning process.
Future Journalism Academy: Convenient Learning, Smart Payments
Xue Zhenying: digital transformation often involves initiatives that require careful planning and coordination. What will a successful project contain?
Lu Yao: In the future of journalism school, I think you won’t need a visa to study. Air tickets to my Homeland will also become very cheap. The university will have 6G wireless networks everywhere. There are many vending machines that accept facial recognition payments.
Daria: Does digital transformation require traditional ways of doing things and to be open to new ideas and approaches?
Xue Zhenying: The Future School of Journalism is housed in a floating city constructed from advanced materials, which is powered by solar and wind energy and equipped with an efficient climate control system to ensure a comfortable and pleasant internal environment. Surrounded by a boundless sky and a sea of clouds, the Academy provides a unique environment for learning and reflection, and symbolises the infinite possibilities of journalism and communication.
Ulyana Kukhareva: I see your point, but it is also possible that in future, instead of classrooms, lectures will take place in the park. Teachers and students will be found sitting on bedspreads, drinking tea and discussing their projects and assignments.
Ethics in Future will not Lose its Battle
Daria: How will the role of ethics in journalism of the future change?
Darya Zakabluk: In the context of fake news and manipulation of public opinion, the importance of ethics in journalism is increasing. Future journalists will need to be able not only to find and check information, but also to understand it. Journalists must be prepared to cover the issues of climate change, inequality and social movements, using their skills to change the world for the better.
A Life Motto
Daria: Students’ interesting ambitions and dreams often inspire them to reflect on a deeper meaning and aspiration. In this regard, I have a question for you: what is the life credo that unites your group?
Aleksandra Fedoniuk: Motto of our group is “First you work for the credit book then it works for you”. I hope that in future it will work.
Daria: Thank you for your opinions, I’m sure that future will make our ambitions and dreams true.
Xue Zhenying: Well it seems like a good thought! We’ll get back soon!
Daria Skvartsova, a third-year student, international journalism department
Xue Zhenying, a fourth-year student, International journalism department
Angelina Voitova a third-year student, international journalism department, a junior designer
Proofreaders group: Daria Zobnina, trainee teacher, International journalism department, Aksana Burak, a teacher, International journalism department, Varvara Sheveleva, a fourth-year student International journalism department
I believe that the answers of the students of the Faculty of Journalism about the future of the faculty can become quite real, because in our time there are many opportunities for the rapid development of such a field as journalism. Thank you for the article
The article is very informative. I agree with Vasilina that students are learning to use artificial intelligence, this is especially relevant at the present time. And thanks to the junior designer Angelina Voitova for adding to the article pictures that were generated by artificial intelligence.
In my opinion, this article stood out from others and became especially memorable. It was very interesting to read and hear each student’s opinion.
I really liked how the Faculty of Journalism sees Xue Zhenying in the future, but Ulyana Kukhareva’s opinion turned out to be closer to me. Thank you Daria for such a wonderful article!
This interview providedes a perspective on the future of journalism schools and gives me a clearer understanding of the future direction of journalism schools, as a young journalist who not only has to master new technologies, but also adhere to ethics and morals in order to ensure the truthfulness and credibility of the news. We need to learn how to continuously upgrade our skills in the digital era to meet the future needs of the media industry.Thank you for you good team work.
there is a strong sense of optimism about the future of journalism education and its role in shaping responsible, knowledgeable journalists.Thank you my dear groupmates! and thank you Xue zhengying and the team!
I think this interview is great, reflecting the unconventional fantasies of graduating college students about their future learning environment and their own expectations. I think the sentence in the interview, «You work for reputation first, and then reputation will work for you,» is very well said.
I think thanks to Xue Zhenying and Daria’s questions more people can think about the Digital Transformation of Journalism School , Diverse Skills for Digital Age ,Ethics in Journalism.Thank you for your article!
Wow, what an interesting article! I wish there were more of them!