The Maldives National University (MNU) has advanced its efforts to strengthen digital communication and creative media skills through an “Advanced Video Editing with Canva” training session, aimed at helping staff produce engaging video content for university teaching, presentations, and institutional communication.
As video becomes an increasingly important medium for sharing information, promoting university activities, and supporting learning, the programme explored how staff can use accessible digital tools to communicate messages more effectively through movement, visuals, and sound.
A central focus of the training was the use of Canva’s advanced animation and video editing features. The session introduced techniques for creating custom animations for text, graphic elements, and individual pages, enabling participants to explore how movement can draw attention to important information and enhance visual storytelling.
The programme also examined the role of transitions and timing in producing clear and coherent video content. By considering how visual elements appear, move, and change throughout a presentation, staff were encouraged to develop materials that maintain audience attention while ensuring that the intended message remains easy to follow.
Another key component was the integration of sound into short videos. The training explored how audio and visual elements can work together to create more engaging communication materials, particularly for announcements, instructional content, and promotional messages.
Practical applications included the development of university announcements, training clips, social media content, and animated presentations. The session also introduced approaches to exporting completed videos and animated designs for use across different digital platforms, supporting greater flexibility in how university information is shared.
Beyond technical editing skills, the workshop emphasised the importance of purposeful storytelling. Participants were encouraged to consider their intended audience, communication objectives, and the appropriate use of animation and sound when developing video materials. This approach highlighted that effective digital communication depends not only on visual appeal but also on clarity, relevance, and thoughtful content organisation.
The training further reinforced the value of creative digital competencies in modern university operations. Strengthening staff capacity to develop video resources can support more engaging teaching materials, clearer institutional announcements, and more accessible communication across academic and administrative settings.
Through this professional development initiative, MNU aims to encourage innovation in digital content creation while helping staff make more effective use of available technologies. The programme reflects the university’s continued commitment to building a digitally skilled workforce capable of responding to evolving educational and communication needs.
Aligned with priorities of quality education, digital literacy, creative innovation, professional capacity development, accessible communication, technology-enhanced learning, and lifelong learning, the training supports MNU’s efforts to strengthen digital storytelling and promote more engaging, effective, and inclusive university communications.
