Columbia University-report on Journalism

http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1212611716674/page/1212611716651/JRNSimplePage2.htm#
I agree with this paragraph in the Columbia report pdf-

Some answers are already emerging. The Internet and those seizing its potential
have made it possible—and often quite easy—to gather and distribute news more
widely in new ways. This is being done not only by surviving newspapers and
commercial television, but by start-up online news organizations, nonprofit
investigative reporting projects, public broadcasting stations, university-run news
services, community news sites with citizen participation, and bloggers. Even
government agencies and activist groups are playing a role. Altogether, they are
creating a greater variety of independent reporting missions and even different
definitions of news.
Reporting is becoming more participatory and collaborative (Downie, 2009).

I believe the work that journalists do is honorable. Stories must be told. Excellent research, reporting, interviewing and of course writing are very important if stories are to be told properly. Investigative journalism is part of the fabric of our society. Columbia University publishing this report is encouraging. The report validates the data that I have discovered while conducting research for my dissertation on effective journalism education. The midterm that I am assigning for "The Banner" newspaper production class involves reading this report and writing a refletive blog on it. Right on Columbia!

Huntington Beach

My husband and I came down to the Sun and Sands Motel yesterday so I could transcribe my interviews and work on the dissertation. There is a big window and you can see the ocean from it. The waves are breaking and the ocean air is invigorating. This is a 1960 ish motel not hotel...there is no pool or plush fancy lobby; just a little office with coffee and sweet rolls and a really nice manager who lives here right on Pacific Coast Highway.

This motel began in the days of motoring or taking driving trips in automobiles and spending the night at a quick and easy motel so getting started in the morning to continue on the road trip would be simple. I like motels and I love this one--if you have not stayed on PCH in Surf City--you should try it.

Back to working on the dis...it is 7:35 a.m. and my peace is in the Lord which is represented this morning by the breaking of waves.

The interviews

I am getting such rich information from the journalism students and recent graduates that I am interviewing for my dissertation. The common themes that are emerging are surprising; even though they come from various parts of the country, sizes of schools and backgrounds, they are great similarities. It will be fun to write about.

Beginnings

As summer begins to slip away...the excitement of a new year is beginning to spread like a contagious smile. Each academic year brings challenges and blessings--I pray for more blessings but I am ready for the challenges.

I promise to prayerfully consider the work we do and to help students to grow and flourish as they pursue their passions.

And I should finish my doctorate by the June-pray for me:)

Interesting interviews of journalism students...

So, I am interviewing journalism students and recent graduates of universities for my doctoral dissertation and I am surprised at some of the information I am receiving.

It seems that some of the largest, well known schools are still grooming future journalists to work primarily for print newspapers. They have little difficulty getting hired as they come in at a lower rate than the seasoned pros and they bring diverse skills, a fresh approach and lots of enthusiasm. They have hopes of moving on or up but because there is little movement in the field, as journalism is in a state of flux and many publications are downsizing or adopting a wait and see attitude, these bright, young talented journalists find themselves stuck in mediocre positions that they are grateful to have because jobs are supposedly hard to find.

This is contrasted by students from medium and smaller universities who have participated in convergent journalism where they have learned skills in multi-media along with entrepreneurial,
freelance training which makes them very attractive to many different employers including smaller publications, web based non profit newspapers, magazines and publishers.

A few of the interviewees explained that the best learning experiences they had in school were internships, one on one talks with professors and lessons taught by highly specialized profs. They explained that they view coaching and courses in the area of freelance work as extremely helpful.

A few sites that are great for freelancers are listed below...check them out and I will write more later as the interviews continue!
http://spot.us/
http://www.elance.com/
http://www.odesk.com

Are blogs as important as Twitter and Facebook updates?

What do you think?

http://twitter.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php

Do you enjoy reading paragraphs or do you like to read one concise sentence that sums things up?

It seems blogs can be compared to short stories and updates are like letters.
I love well written letters with descriptive words that paint pictures. It seems we tell stories now by posting a bunch of smiling pictures and writing a few words.

Hand written letters written on lovely stationary are such a treat.

J@cbu

It is wonderful to plan. prepare, research and collaborate over the summer. The J@cbu campaign will launch in the fall. This exciting revision to the journalism program will serve to prepare students for the challenges of contemporary media.

During the summer I have the wonderful opportunity to work with my other passion--teaching reading. I teach reading diagnosis for the School of Ed. --this course prepares teachers to diagnose students and uncover reading problems that stumble them. Research shows that illiteracy is destructive to society and prisons are full of illiterate inmates. The problem of students struggling with reading must be dealt with; preparing students with the skills to overcome their reading problems is a top priority. I love teaching these courses and pray that the mastering reading will provide opportunities for reading the Word of God- the ultimate written Word.