Module Descriptors
WEB-BASED JOURNALISM
JOUR60267
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Sue Greenwood
Email: S.Greenwood@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 80%
- REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT weighted at 20%
Module Details
Module Resources
Digital cameras and camcorders via New Media Centre
Library
Visual aids via data projector/power point
Computer-aided research via Macintosh (News Room) and Library resources
Macintoch G5s (Newsroom)
Software:Browser-based software packages (eg Wordpress), Microsoft Word, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash.
Online software teaching guides, blog resources.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Library
Visual aids via data projector/power point
Computer-aided research via Macintosh (News Room) and Library resources
Macintoch G5s (Newsroom)
Software:Browser-based software packages (eg Wordpress), Microsoft Word, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash.
Online software teaching guides, blog resources.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A PORTFOLIO OF WEB-BASED journalism and design, including ONLINE BLOG or OFFLINE WEBSITE (80%) and a REFLECTIVE EVALUATION(600 words, 20%)
1. Students will design, build and create original content for a new blog or website, reflecting their field of interest (news/sport/music journalism). The blog or website will have a clearly-defined target audience, with design, presentation, writing style and content to reflect audience expectations and needs. Content should include a mix of news/feature writing, information, photography, video, audio and interactive elements, appropriate to subject and audience. The results should be presented for assessment as a printed version accompanied by an electronic file or files on CD (if site is offline) or the URL if site/blog is online. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
2. Produce a reflective evaluation (600 words) explaining the processes, techniques, skills and understanding employed and assessing their effectiveness in producing the blog or website, generating audiences and income potential, and the different examples of published web-based journalism. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Students will design, build and create original content for a new blog or website, reflecting their field of interest (news/sport/music journalism). The blog or website will have a clearly-defined target audience, with design, presentation, writing style and content to reflect audience expectations and needs. Content should include a mix of news/feature writing, information, photography, video, audio and interactive elements, appropriate to subject and audience. The results should be presented for assessment as a printed version accompanied by an electronic file or files on CD (if site is offline) or the URL if site/blog is online. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
2. Produce a reflective evaluation (600 words) explaining the processes, techniques, skills and understanding employed and assessing their effectiveness in producing the blog or website, generating audiences and income potential, and the different examples of published web-based journalism. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]
Module Indicative Content
Technological change has driven changes in news delivery. From the invention of linotype print and mass newspaper production, to cable/satellite delivering 24/7 news, the business of gathering and disseminating news has become fiercely competitive and subject to rapid changes in style and delivery in a bid to attract - or just maintain - audiences.
Since 1991, and the invention of the world wide web, news stories have been repurposed, shared, linked to or written especially for the web. Increasingly, journalists working in print or broadcast are expected to know how to deliver the same story to a global web audience. Journalists will also find themselves using the web as a tool for generating or researching new stories, and for delivering information or canvassing reader/audience opinions or knowledge.
This module introduces level 2 students to the techniques employed by journalists working across web and mobile media outlets. Including: understanding and building audiences for websites and blogs; news/sports site/blog construction and development; user interaction; legal and license issues.
This is a cross media module offered to students on print or broadcasting pathways. Students will undertake a common period of study and research leading to the presentation of a portfolio of web-based journalism.
Since 1991, and the invention of the world wide web, news stories have been repurposed, shared, linked to or written especially for the web. Increasingly, journalists working in print or broadcast are expected to know how to deliver the same story to a global web audience. Journalists will also find themselves using the web as a tool for generating or researching new stories, and for delivering information or canvassing reader/audience opinions or knowledge.
This module introduces level 2 students to the techniques employed by journalists working across web and mobile media outlets. Including: understanding and building audiences for websites and blogs; news/sports site/blog construction and development; user interaction; legal and license issues.
This is a cross media module offered to students on print or broadcasting pathways. Students will undertake a common period of study and research leading to the presentation of a portfolio of web-based journalism.
Module Learning Strategies
12 x workshops (2 hours) = 24hours
Demonstrating and developing the knowledge and skills underpinning web-based journalism with emphasis on content delivery and the skills, design knowledge and technology to construct an end product.
Building on other modules delivering components and skills necessary to web-journalism.
Independent learning = 126 hours
Developing and employing understanding and acquired skills in website/blog production for specified audiences and building portfolio of published web-based journalism.
Demonstrating and developing the knowledge and skills underpinning web-based journalism with emphasis on content delivery and the skills, design knowledge and technology to construct an end product.
Building on other modules delivering components and skills necessary to web-journalism.
Independent learning = 126 hours
Developing and employing understanding and acquired skills in website/blog production for specified audiences and building portfolio of published web-based journalism.
Module Texts
Allan Stuart (2006) Online News ? Open University Press
Kolodzy Janet (2006) Convergence Journalism: Writing and Reporting Across News Media ? Rowman & Littlefield
http://www.buzzmachine.com
http://www.poynter.org/subject.asp?id=11
http://www.ojr.org
Kolodzy Janet (2006) Convergence Journalism: Writing and Reporting Across News Media ? Rowman & Littlefield
http://www.buzzmachine.com
http://www.poynter.org/subject.asp?id=11
http://www.ojr.org