About This Course

Description

Students in this course learn how to report and write for Internet news sites and other online media. The focus is not on breaking news and simple headlines but rather on original stories from the local community. Students are expected to want to report and to be conscientious about writing well. Students are also expected to be enthusiastic about the Internet and using it to find new ideas and information. Accuracy and originality are keys to succeeding in this course!

This is a course about doing journalism. If you don't want to work as a journalist, you are advised not to enroll in this course.

Objectives

Students who complete this course should be able to:

  1. Plan and execute the reporting necessary for a proposed digital journalism project.
  2. Gather and edit digital audio.
  3. Create an audio slideshow in Soundslides.
  4. Shoot and edit acceptable video for a short online clip.
  5. Write in styles that are appropriate to online media.
  6. Evaluate online story packages and explain why they work well in the medium, or why they do not.
  7. Explain how to optimize a blog and blog posts for search (including headline writing concerns).
  8. Explain how to write link text that encourages a good experience for the users.
  9. Work with other reporters to produce an engaging story for online presentation.
  10. Conduct research online, determine the reliability of sources found, and use the results appropriately as part of a story.

Attendance and Attitude

Students are expected to show respect for one another and for the instructor. Attendance and arriving on time for class are necessary.

Lateness and absences will result in a lower final grade. If you have been absent, you are responsible for finding out about any missed material by going to the instructor’s office hours. These matters will not be handled via e-mail.

You must not use online media and/or mobile phones during class when the instructor is teaching, or when another student is speaking, or when you are supposed to be working on coursework. Such lack of attention constitutes rudeness and will result in disciplinary action.

Deadlines

Late assignments are not accepted. Assignments are not accepted via e-mail unless requested by the instructor. If an illness or a personal emergency prevents you from completing an assignment on time, advance notice and written documentation are required.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated in this course. It will be reported to Student Judicial Affairs, and it will result in a failing grade for the course. The university's Academic Honesty Guidelines provide additional details, which you are expected to understand completely.

Students with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made for any students with disabilities. If you have a disability, the Dean of Students Office will give you official documentation, which you will give to your instructor. More information is on the Disability Resources page from the Dean of Students Office.