“Adobe Express allows students to design professional-quality content easily, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their design experience.”
Mrs Nomfundo Zwane, an Associate Lecturer in Digital Animation at Nelson Mandela University, is passionate about equipping Public Relations (PR) and Media students with the technical skills and creative mindset needed to thrive in an evolving industry. She recently shared her experiences with Learning Curve and what it was like using AdobeExpress in the lecture room.
On her Goal to Make Students Job Ready
“My goal is to help students develop the technical skills and creative thinking they’ll need to succeed in the fast-paced media industry” she explains. With digital media and animation rapidly transforming PR and communication fields, she is committed to ensuring her students are job-ready and adaptable from day one.
The Power of Adobe Express in Creative Productions
Adobe Express has been instrumental in helping Mrs Zwane’s students grasp the fundamentals of creating engaging multi-media digital assets on time. “As a lecturer, I often turn to Adobe Express to help my students learn the art of content creation, especially when making videos.”
She highlights how the platform is used to produce promotional videos for brands and events—an essential skill in PR and media. Beyond video, students are also experimenting with AI-generated posters and digital assets, gaining hands-on experience in using modern tools for creative production.
Teaching Strategies Re-Imagined
Adobe Express has reshaped how Mrs Zwane approaches teaching. “The user-friendly interface allows me to easily create professional-quality visuals, making presentations more impactful,” she says.
It has also streamlined the creation of tutorial videos and lesson materials, making complex concepts more digestible. The visual appeal of Adobe Express-made content has enhanced student engagement, leading to more interactive and effective lessons.
Real-World Application in Student Projects
One standout assignment was when PR students designed a digital campaign for a music festival. “Adobe Express allowed them to take a real-world approach, crafting digital content such as posters, social media ads, and promotional videos.”
The project gave her students a sense of what it would be like to create engaging media collateral in the fast-paced and dynamic world of PR and media.
Everyone Becomes a Design Guru
Mrs Zwane believes Adobe Express is a vital tool for encouraging creativity. “It allows students to design professional-quality content easily, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their design experience.”
The simplicity of the platform encourages students to explore new design techniques, enhancing their ability to present ideas in innovative ways. Digital literacy has often been a barrier to students grasping new technology, but not any more, as Adobe Express is intuitive and easy to use.
Generative AI as a Game Changer in Future Careers
With AI becoming an essential part of media and content creation, Mrs Zwane sees it as a game-changer. “Generative AI is a transformative technology that is already
reshaping the job market.”
While automation may take over certain tasks, she believes students who develop creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability will have a distinct advantage. “Those who can leverage AI to enhance their work will have a competitive edge in the job market.”
Adobe Express as a Teaching Aid
For lecturers, Adobe Express is an asset in content development. “It has helped me produce visually appealing presentations, tutorial videos, and handouts that keep students engaged,” says Mrs Zwane. The ability to quickly generate high-quality learning materials allows her to focus on student interaction and lesson delivery rather than the technical aspects of design.
Preparing Students for the Digital Workforce
Adobe Express is more than just a creative tool – it is a market-leading software that graduates will encounter in the working world. “Adobe Express is preparing students for future challenges by teaching them how to use industry-standard software for digital content creation,” she explains.
As PR and marketing fields become increasingly tech-driven, graduates must be adaptable and proficient in digital tools. Adobe Express equips them with real-world skills applicable to
branding, marketing campaigns, and media production.
So Easy to Use
The transition to Adobe Express has been seamless for both educators and students. “Adobe Express’s interface is extremely intuitive, which made it easy for me to adapt without spending a lot of time learning the software.” Students, too, found the platform user-friendly, allowing them to start creating content almost immediately. “The drag-and-drop functionality is especially user-friendly, and it didn’t take long to master.”
A Tool Every Educator Should Consider
Mrs Zwane strongly recommends Adobe Express to her peers. “I would recommend Adobe Express to other educators. It’s a very user-friendly tool that doesn’t require a strong
background in design or technology.”
The accessibility of the platform makes it a valuable asset for educators in communication, media, and digital arts. The free version also provides extensive features, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious institutions.
The Bottom Line For Mrs Nomfundo Zwane, Adobe Express is a bridge between education and industry. By providing students with hands-on experience in digital content creation, it equips them with the skills necessary for modern PR, media, and marketing careers.
“The ability to create visually engaging content quickly has encouraged my students to experiment with their designs, helping them express their ideas in more innovative and impactful ways.” A passionate lecturer in the PR and media field could hardly ask for more than Adobe Express as a partner to ensure that graduates remain adaptable, employable, and ahead of industry trends.
By integrating Adobe Express, colleges and universities can ensure that students and faculty spend less time struggling with design tools and more time focusing on creativity, storytelling, and impactful communication.
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