Academic writing is very difficult for many people, and deliberately choosing alternative genres in text and other media is a good way to develop skills. Ideally, it would be great to see at least one patch in academic style for each module and this could be in any medium. Academics use text (research and other reports), presentations, video, photographs, posters, executive summaries, abstracts, leaflets...

In addition to academic style in various media, by consciously choosing to write a play, sing your own lyrics or prepare a presentation for your colleagues, you can work to your own strengths, base your studies in your job (choose a work based audience) and begin to understand what makes a style academic, in comparison with other styles.

Not all the academic text you will see is good - there are some dreadful videos on YouTube created by genuine academics. Have a look at some really bad stuff with a critical eye, then you will be assured that you can do better.

One of my favourites is a great photographer, who is a very poor speaker but still managed an amazing live presentation.
James Nachtwey