Integrating Biotechnological Tools in Journalism and Communication Education: A New Liberal Arts Approach

Abstract

This study explores a transformative approach to journalism and communication education within the framework of new liberal arts, with a particular focus on integrating biotechnological tools and methodologies. We assess how Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can be utilized not just as a digital education format but as a platform for integrating biotechnological content and tools that enhance learning outcomes in journalism. This involves reconfiguring the traditional curriculum and pedagogical approaches to include biotechnological insights that aid in the development of professional skills and humanistic foundations. By employing the MOOC model, we enable students to select educational content that includes biotechnological applications relevant to journalism, such as genetic data interpretation or bioethics in media. This approach facilitates constructing a comprehensive teaching system that integrates classroom learning with experimental practice, utilizing biotechnological tools for data analysis and reporting in journalism. The system also extends to developing experimental centers and practical training sites that reflect the convergence of biotechnology and media studies. Our findings indicate that this integrated approach significantly enhances teacher and student satisfaction, with teachers reporting a 77.78% satisfaction rate with the teaching outcomes and students experiencing an 89.5% satisfaction rate. The customization options available through MOOCs allow for a more personalized and flexible learning experience, accommodating individual learning styles and needs. This model makes education more adaptive and stable and equips journalism students with advanced skills relevant to the evolving demands of the biotechnology industry.