This module explores the continuing technological changes which are driving the way sports news is consumed and the increasing influence of online material. The diminishing boundaries between ‘traditional’ and ‘digital’ journalism will be investigated and the use of websites and social media platforms as an instant messaging tool will be examined.
The requirement of this module is to engage in the full technical instrumentalities of web building and content production (including the use of content management tools), utilising the full spectrum of multimedia skills, while learning how to build a dedicated audience.



Students will use assessed discussion board forums to share ideas and respond to class materials/readings.

Assessment 1 = Learning Outcomes 1-5

Assessment 2 = Learning Outcomes 3 and 4





Assessment 1

A portfolio of commercially viable work embracing different digital journalism techniques. These will include web blogging and vlogging, other audio and visual content, and digital reporting, along with material for social media platforms. The exact balance of this content will be agreed in negotiation with the module tutor.

Assessment 2

Minimum of 3 x 150 word discussion forum contributions.



Employability

Assessment one is an authentic assessment – the production of a new platform to disseminate sports-related information via a variety of sources using modern digital journalism and content creation techniques. Content will be produced independently but within parameters of editorial guidance/suitability to professional/publishable standard. The experience is a very individual one for the student since topic/content is of their choosing and therefore subsequent guidance/progressive feedback will also be highly individual and arranged at the student’s convenience (hyper-personalised learning). Assessment two encourages the student to assess his or her own strengths as a potential employee and areas for further development.



Diversity

Students may focus their digital output on women’s sport and/or aim at specifically targeted audiences such as female or ethnic.

Blended learning via 12 x lectures (4x2 hour face-to-face, 8x3 hour online), plus individual tutorials amounting to nine hours (three hours per student per semester) = 41 hours.



Attended lectures will facilitate group discussion of web-related content, as well as offer an opportunity for practising skills, while online sessions will be used to set tasks, to generate online discussion, and to offer students the opportunity of further practising skills and gaining, where necessary, feedback.

Independent learning = 359 hours
Developing and expanding knowledge of digital sports journalism and both technical and content production skills using theoretical texts, exemplary material, and written/audio/visual guides.

Key Information Set Data:
10% Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities
90% Guided Independent Learning

1. Demonstrate research and develop acquired skills by using appropriate software in the build and design of, and content creation for, a basic sports/branding website.

2. Apply skills to produce and upload digital multimedia material suitable for a website and social media platforms.

3. Research types of websites and analyse the spectrum of digital media output, including the value of links to external platforms.

4. Communicate outcomes and procedures with appropriate style, tone, and content.

5. Select appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques to realise the Project and overcome any problems encountered using relevant theory and practice.

Digital is the new frontier of sports journalism and this module examines not only the multimedia content production processes but also the technical production processes. You will learn to design and build your own website, use it for blogging and vlogging, and learn how to build your audience.

Allan, S. (2006) Online News. Maidenhead: Open UP
Andrews, P. (2014) Sports Journalism, A Practical Introduction. London: Sage (2nd Ed)

Boyle, Raymond (2020) Changing Sports Journalism Practice in the Age of Digital, Routledge

Bradshaw, Paul (2017) The Online Journalism Handbook, Pearson.

Lambert, Charles (2018) Digital Sports Journalism, Routledge.

Newsroom facilities

Blackboard VLE

Wordpress CMT

Library