West Virginia University Media Innovation Center
Case Study
Media and storytelling has evolved into unpredicted levels—AR and VR, news innovation, data journalism, podcasting, and public interest communication research are reshaping how we connect. Universities like West Virginia strive to stay at the forefront of these groundbreaking media innovations with quality facilities.
The West Virginia Media Innovation Center fosters collaboration and innovation in media. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it serves as a hub for media entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, offering digital media students hands-on experience with industry and community partners, gaining opportunities to incubate ideas that will shape the future of media innovation.
The space gives students the opportunity to interact with innovative cloud-based tech, using their personal devices to easily connect to the technology in the space, and sharing for group work.
Using virtual reality, the technology in the space gives students the opportunity to do 3D storytelling with 3D modeling. Specialized cameras scan and photograph a space and creates 3D representations, allowing them to be “walked through” on computers, phones, and VR headsets. This assists in storytelling, where the actual space is important to the story in journalism.
Interactive displays and a captivating floor-to-ceiling video wall immerse visitors in student-created content. Tech-infused conferencing spaces facilitate remote collaboration and brainstorming sessions, connecting experts with WVU students to explore fresh ideas.
Studio B is home of a professional-quality studio for student podcasts and multimedia projects, while the digital storytelling hub serves as a focal point for journalism capstone classes and the Innovator-in-Residence program.
Led by top media professionals, the Innovator-in-Residence program drives experimental change and fosters a culture of innovation within the School of Media. These innovators enhance curriculum, impart new technology skills, and mentor students in tackling industry challenges.
The digital storytelling hub, hosts WVU journalism capstone classes and houses the Innovator-in-Residence program. WVU has a top media professional, who leads in experimental change to help cultivate and inspire a culture of innovation for the entire School of Media.
The forum is the main area with various technologies and serves as the central area for guest speakers, hackathons, industry partner ideation sessions, club meetings and other events.
The strategic communications hub supports the college’s community branding initiative, contributing to economic development efforts.
Adjacent to the forum, the dedicated HackerSpace houses the CodeLab, offering coding fundamentals and technology training to Appalachian communities in transition.
Meanwhile, the Makerspace serves as a creative playground for journalism and computer gaming classes, exploring sensor, 3D printing, and drone technology. Finally, the Think Tank facilitates professional focus groups, media effects research, and user behavior testing across new technologies, ensuring WVU remains at the forefront of media innovation.