The News Site Era

I am working on an article about the changing journalism, digital media and consumer interaction structure.  Essentially, the article examines the role of news reporting and readership in a post-print world.  This news site era calls for new delivery and creation technologies, the mastery of professionals and citizen reporters, and a public that is attuned to multi-faceted and multimedia consumption techniques.

As I teach my Multimedia Reporting class at Ashland University, the thought arises that these fresh-faced kids will soon be the cornerstone of journalism.  They will have opportunites so great and face complex stories so challenging that would make previous professionals pause.  It is, clearly, more than the tools of technology; rather, the 24-7 endless clock of news demands an insatiable need for more.  More stories, more depth, more immediacy.

The news site era is upon us.  Let us proceed with caution and passion.

Ed Tech Today

I recently had the honor to be interviewed on the ED TECH TODAY podcast.  The podcast was created by my good friend Jim Hurguy.  Jim is a very talented graphic designer and he is branching out into the world of social media.  This podcast is his latest venture in a series aimed at examining the critical role played by new techologies upon learning.

 

 

 

 

Jim and I talked about the changing dynamic of teaching college students with 21st century tools while maintaining discipline fundamentals. I discussed the practical applications of integrating new media into projects and assignments.

I enjoyed our chat and will soon post the finished copy so you can listen and respond with your comments.  A little discourse goes a long way.

Dave Brubeck and the Rise of Cool

Dave Brubeck passed away today.  The jazz genius, who gave us "Take Five" and other notable classics, will be remembered as the performer who was popular despite the onslaught of rock and roll and the British Invasion.  If Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll, then Brubeck, to me, was the King of Cool.

Dave Brubeck - Take Five

Dave Brubeck  RIP "King of Cool"

Social Media and the Weblog World

As I reflect upon the vast interconnected system of communication present in today's world, my thoughts revolve around the influence that social media holds on distinct cultures.  Do Germans uphold cultural heritage when they use Facebook?  Can a government, like India's, promote or control social agendas via telecommunication devices?

Perhaps these questions are answered in the weblog research projects created by my Global Impact of Social Media students.

Good research begets informative results.  The use of Web 2.0 technologies, like blogs and Twitter, allows people from geographic distances to learn about new and exciting cultures.  A new method of border crossing experience that is real, relevant and interactive.

Wikipedia and the College Student

The ongoing debate, and great knashing of teeth, regarding the merits of college students' reliance on Wikipedia as a valid resource tool strikes at the foundation of academic and intellectual integrity.  Moreover, the discussion probes the issue of adapting new learning technologies within an established research model.  It is clear, however, that this debate will not cool in the near future; rather, the questions addressing  reliability, access and expert creation and review need to be rectified if college students, and their professors, proceed in clear and meaningful research endeavors.

My Global Impact of Social Media students at Ashland University recently examined this concern.  Responses to the questions of Wikipedia merit as a research venue were enlightening and frightening.  Students enjoyed the speed and access employed by Wikipedia listings.  They felt that the descriptive language in references was easy to follow and not too wordy.  However, they had no problem with the unaccounted citations (citation needed icon) found in almost every listing.  Some used the Wikipedia source as their only measure of information and they did not seek to follow the multiple listed citiations as platforms for further enveloping knowledge.

What can be concluded?  As professors we must work to establish guidelines for Wikipedia use and tests of reliability when our students begin academic research.  We are their best mentors and role models.

Social Media and the Global Connection

As we move beyond our little circle of Facebook friends and local retweets, a broader and deeper appreciation of connectivity informs us.  Maybe it is a blog about China.  Or it is an archive of Egyptian protest videos found on YouTube that could lead to critical thought, effective research and engaged discussion. 

So go ahead.  Search the Internet sphere.  Mine all of the Web 2.0 tools that you can.  Span the globe for stories, videos, images and words about people and events.  Bring these elements into your blog, website or Facebook page.  Spread the word and connect the world.