JO304 weekly class schedule Fall 2017

Quick post here!  Attached is the current version of our class schedule.  Also sent to you email and uploaded to content area in Blackboard.

Andrea Panciera’s Weekly Schedule, Multimedia Storytelling, JO 304 FALL  2017
As of 9/12/17

Class meets Tuesdays, 12:30 to 3:15, COM building,  Room B27

This schedule changes as news breaks, digital stuff develops, more practice is needed, speakers emerge.  I’ll advise you weekly in class or by email, and will do my best to update this document.  More details in weekly emails re homework.

Special aims:  Creation and delivery of stories using mobile devices and apps, accuracy, fairness, balance and verification in this age of lightning-fast digital news
Something new, something old:  Each class focuses on a type of multimedia or digital journalism trend.  Includes lecture, class participation, hands-on practice.  Each class weaves in traditional journalism ethics and values, plus issues posed by new technology.
Weekly: Post at least one timely observation re digital news, from any source, to class Facebook page, Twitter #JO304.  Vary your style to suit the medium.


Before first class
1. Fill in the blank assignment: What a(n) _____ time it is to be a journalist.  Choose the adjective you think fits best.   Email to me at: apancier@bu.edu BEFORE noon, Tuesday, Sept. 5

2.  Do multimedia assessments
   
   3.  Read this article from the Neiman Journalism Lab at Harvard.  How have the predictions help up?
   http://www.niemanlab.org/2017/01/whats-the-big-journalism-trend-for-2017-fear-oh-and-voice-news-bots/
   
   4.  Social media
   
      Ask to join class FB page  https://www.facebook.com/groups/jo304fall2017/
   
      Check out latest (not top) tweets under  #JO304 Twitter

WEEK 1, Sept. 5

Today’s class summary: How you can learn, critique and share the variety of ways news is told in 2017.

1.  Word cloud review: What a _____ time it is to be a journalist. Let’s look at and discuss your responses.
http://wordclouds.com

2. Introductions & Overview

Who am I? Who are you?

Brief digital journalism history
https://techsviewer.com/top-10-amazing-facts-you-probably-dont-know-about-mobile-phones/

Review syllabus and course requirements.  Outline.

3. Multimedia Storytelling

How does reporting and creating for digital platforms differ from telling stories via “legacy” media? From tweets to blogs, to long-form and listicles, from hedlines to captions, from photos to videos to filters,  producing content for digital is more than you might think. Which tools should you use to cover news in a multi-platform world? How do audience and business needs figure in to your choices? We will explore and configure a wide variety of tools this semester, starting with blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

 

Look at these examples of multimedia storytelling.

Discussion: Identify elements of good journalism, no matter what the medium.

4. In-class work: Explain NewsTrack and draw for news site  assignments. Quick overview of WordPress blogging platform. Download WordPress app to smartphone.  Join the course Facebook group. Follow #JO304 on Twitter.  Who’s on instagram? Who’s on Snapchat?

5. Join up:  Class Facebook page,  #JO304 Twitter, wordpress.  Finish, turn in assessment forms.

              https://www.facebook.com/groups/jo304fall2017/

 

• Share this link to help people find your group.

• Email: jo304fall2017@groups.facebook.com

• Emails sent to this address will appear as posts in the group.

 

6. Take class photo! Use variety of apps.  Add filters? Other enhancements?

Assignments to be completed before next class:
1. Finish, submit  individual and multimedia assessment forms  emailed to you

2. Read  this article from the Neiman Journalism Lab at Harvard.  How have the predictions help up?
http://www.niemanlab.org/2017/01/whats-the-big-journalism-trend-for-2017-fear-oh-and-voice-news-bots/

Read these WordPress tutorials
https://learn.wordpress.com/

https://learn.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/five-step-blog-setup/

http://www.bu.edu/tech/services/comm/websites/www/wordpress/how-to/

3. Class Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/JO304spring2017/
   
   Find and post a link to one recent example and a short written observation on class FB page:  Which journalism trend seems most on target to you? What’s breaking in the world of journalism trends? What do you think you need to be most on top of after graduation?

 

4. #1 First Newstrack blog post: Describe the mission of the news site you’re tracking. Your post should include at least one screenshot or other image, such as a video or tweet.  Always include hypertext links.
   
   
   ___________________________________

WEEK 2, Sept. 12

Due today: Assigned reading, assessments,FB post

Review tweets, FB posts  re weekend in a Storify or JO304 list
Review multimedia  skills assessments. Chart form

@AppleNews

What is a blog? Purpose for this class:  Portfolio of work in this class, others.  To collect NewsTrack posts.  For breaking news reports in short, enhanced posts. To practice employing variety of digital storytelling tools in one report.   To practice your “voice.”

In class:
1.Set up your WordPress sites, including themes, social media widgets, categories for Class Assignments,  NewsTrack posts. Send WordPress URL to me.
|
https://wordpress.com/start/design-type

2.Add Newstrack mission post.  Add photo.

3.  Go over how to and code.  Assignments categories, blog roll widget, share blog URLs, link to/follow classmates’ blogs

4. Quick one on one:  Pair up. Interview classmates, others at COM re absolutely necessary gear.  15 minutes. Compile reply in 140 characters or less, with pix, video and/or an emoji — think of as element for  a Twitter page bio, tweet, short blog post, instagram, the like. Tweet to #jo304, with handle.  Review on Twitter list for #JO304.

For next week:

Weekly: Post at least one timely observation re digital news, from any source, to class Facebook page, Twitter #JO304.  Vary your style to suit the medium.

Suggested topic: The Emmys, either the show or a report on the show.  Example of coverage.

1. About me blog post

Blog assignment: Produce a short bio, with pix and links, for posting on the About Me area of your WordPress blog.   You can write, you can do video.  Make it conversational yet professional. Add contact info, social media info.  Post your bio.

Readings:  

1. Briggs, Digital Next, Chapter 4; Going Mobile

l

3. Event: Emmys,  Sunday, Sept. 17
___________________________________

 

WEEK 3, Sept. 19
Due today:
blog post on bio for About Me page
Assigned reading re WordPress and blogging.
Post at least one observation re digital news, from any source, to class Facebook page, #JO304

1. Blogging — best practices

2. Twitter – for journalists – how it differs from personal account

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2017/09/08/politico-editor-we-discard-dozens-of-potential-hires-over-toxic-twitter-feeds/?utm_term=.c2729fa16385

folo your classmates
https://twitter.com/#jo304
Twitter list
https://twitter.com/andreapanciera/lists/my-jo304-students


Assignments:

#2 NewsTrack assignment:  Compare mobile via desktop site.
___________________________________

WEEK 4, Sept. 26

Due
#2 NewsTrack blog post and tweet re Compare mobile via desktop site.
Assigned reading re Going Mobile.


TWITTER:

What is it: An information network made up of 140-character messages (including photos, videos and links) from all over the world.

The basics, writing style, glossary, best practices, tutorial
http://mashable.com/2012/06/05/twitter-for-beginners/#cw4G28SVsZq7
https://support.twitter.com/articles/166337
Define, tips, diff between personal and journalistic, Trump tweets

Practice, examples:
Sports: @GlobeDanShulman

What’s a Twitter Scavenger Hunt? Review the assignment.

Storify
Curating social media with Storify.  What’s curating?

https://editor.storify.com/
What is it? Writing style. Examples. Sign up.
References:
The updated guide to Storify for journalists
Mindy McAdams Storify tutorial – (since this, note upper right interface changed to feature embed URL)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKHsGGt75DQ&feature=youtu.be

 

Assignments:
Graded assignment 1: Twitter Scavenger Hunt and Storify.  Deadline Tuesday, Oct. 3

Promo your hunt on your blog under Assignments
___________________________________

WEEK 5, Oct. 3

Review Scavenger Hunt

IN CLASS:  WordPress galleries.  Take sample pix in class or use your own.

Compare apps on iPhone, Google Play,  Instagram, other?

Mobile Storytelling

As Mark Briggs writes in Chapter 4 (Going Mobile), you could get out a lot of fancy equipment to cover a story, but increasingly all you need is your phone.

http://time.com/4921227/time-magazine-covers-shot-on-iphone/

Today’s topic:   What’s a photo story? Elements? Type of photos? Tips on taking good photos with mobile devices.

Practice WordPress galleries / Google Photos apps / tutorials / download apps / do practice stories

Creating photo galleries on WordPress — and check the code
https://en.support.wordpress.com/gallery/

Creating a Story Using Google Photos  / Google Assistant


Developing Photo Story ideas
https://www.poynter.org/2012/5-types-of-photos-that-make-for-strong-photo-essays-audio-slideshows/171050/

More useful Links for this assignment:

• Poynter: Tips for Writing Photo Captions
• Writing Photo Captions: The Journalism Part of Photojournalism

JO 304 Caption Style Guidelines

For next class:

1. No class on  Tues, Oct. 10 /  BUT this is due Oct. 10

#4 NewsTrack assignment:  Find photo example on your site. Critique on WP blog.  Post link to FB, Twitter

2. Prepare for first NewsTrack Roundtable discussion on 10/17 — explain your site, focusing on topic to come and #3 Newstrack  post on the topic

___________________________________

Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 9

NO CLASS on Tues, OCT. 10 – Monday classes held instead

DUE TUES OCT 10:   #4 NewsTrack assignment:  Find photo example on your site. Critique on WP blog.  Post link to FB, Twitter

Prep for photo exercise in next class.  
1. Read in prep for live exercise in class

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/smarter-living/the-back-to-school-tech-you-need-and-dont-need.htm

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2047671/8-essential-mobile-apps-for-college-students.html

2. Propose a topic of similar interest to students for a photo essay
   
   Readings:
   Latest apps on your phone or other social media service
   https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-instagram-stories/
   
   Instagram
   Telling stories, advice from the ad world
   http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-tell-stories-with-facebook-and-instagram-carousel-ads/
   
   http://niemanstoryboard.org/stories/how-to-tell-powerful-narratives-on-instagram/

_________________________________

 

WEEK 6, Oct. 17

Event: Celtics season opener, tonight

First NewsTrack Roundtable discussion — on fake news ?? hurricane coverage? Boston Sports?  and
Due: #3 NewsTrack post on fake news – ?? – topic to come

 

More re photos – Focus on blog options, Instagram,  Adobe Spark  
Photos, part 2.  Using mobile devices,  mobile apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, animations, special features, filters, sharing.  Verification, copyright. Try adding sound to photo slideshows.

In class:  photo essay on school gear – post to blog

HOMEWORK FOR WEEK 7

Prepare for quiz 1:  Review Class 1-6 readings, lecture notes, class discussions.

___________________________________

WEEK 7, Oct. 24

WORLD SERIES begins – opp for breaking news?

Quiz 1. Graded.

 

In class: Advancing visual and audio stories using mobile apps

Nongraded assignment using Snapchat, Instagram, Adobe Spark and/or Facebook:

Partner up. Develop idea for photo story. Take photos.  Create practice photo story with mobile apps, shooting and editing, captions, filters, audio.  

How does audio make a difference? Tips on getting good audio

Homework:  

Photo story using mobile app?  Audio clip?  

Weekly FB, Twitter observations

 

#5 Newstrack post – how does your site use videos?

Readings, prep for video practice.  

Video Storytelling for Digital Platforms

Web video is different from video produced for broadcast television. We’ll look at how it differs and ways to shoot clips and stories tailored to this medium, including live streaming, social media tools and specialized apps.

Adobe Spark — telling video stories with text on mobile devices
https://spark.adobe.com

Readings:  
Briggs, Chapter 7 (Telling Stories with Video) – especially pages 222-230 in 3rd edition

 

Tips on shooting Facebook Live

https://live.fb.com/tips/
http://mashable.com/2016/05/05/facebook-live-tips/#s0yj7RlmdsqL

High points, timeless, without videolicious,  from above: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14qSTK-rghd7iWO3GMRNCI5Vv286Ax_-w_5N2J6zNmUI/edit

Be prepared to pitch a video story in class, due Oct, 31 .  Write it up in 3 sentences MAX.  

________________________________________

WEEK 8,  Oct. 31  (Halloween)

WORLD SERIES ends Nov. 1

Video story pitch due
Review quizzes

 

In class:  

1. Roundtable: Pitch your video story idea
   Develop, review class video ideas
   Discuss various mobile video apps for shooting, editing.

Emphasize what makes good video stories, storyboards.
Gear than can help.
Practice using a mobile app and camera.

 

2.Practice in class:  Facebook Live  –  Halloween topic!

 

https://adamwestbrook.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/10-common-video-storytelling-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-adam-westbrook-online-video/

10 quick hits to make your videos better right now
https://adamwestbrook.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/10-quick-hits-to-make-your-videos-better-right-now/
How does audio help?

https://www.izotope.com/en/community/blog/tips-tutorials/2016/02/10-tips-for-a-great-sounding-podcast.html

Homework
Video story, 1-3 minutes, graded, due Nov. 7

Breaking news reading – to be updated

Liveblogging: 12 Tips from Digital Journalists

https://www.poynter.org/news/bring-pencils-and-49-other-things-hurricane-pros-know

___________________________________

WEEK 9,  Nov. 7

Graded assignment 3 due. Video story

1. Discuss video stories

2.  Intro to breaking news in digital environment
   
   Breaking news –  how to in a digital environment, continued. Finding news and info on social media. Beware misinformation.
   https://firstdraftnews.com/resources/
   
   – What are the characteristics?
   – What are popular tools?
   – Who does it well? Examples

3. Assignments

 

# 6 NewsTrack post assignment:  Find example of how your site has handled major breaking news story  using  alternative techniques.. Can be one particular aspect of the breaking news. Due by next class.

Prepare for NewsTrack Roundtable 2 next week — share your site example of alternative breaking news storytelling, especially with mobile apps

___________________________________

WEEK 10,  Nov. 14

 

Due today:  

# 6 NewsTrack post assignment:  Find example of how your site has handled major breaking news story  using  alternative techniques.. Can be one particular aspect of the breaking news. Due by next class.
Prepare for NewsTrack Roundtable 2 next week — share your site example of alternative breaking news storytelling, especially with mobile apps

1. 
    NewsTrack Roundtable 2
   
   2. Breaking news: Covering a live event
   
   Graded assignment 6: Cover a live event over next 2 weeks. Find an event to cover during coming week. Possibles? Due LIVE, with reports during event and one summary blog post or storify.
   Pitch your story idea by next class.
   
   After event: Do summary post on blog, tweet it. That’s due by XXX
   
   3. Final project: Review requirements, get started thinking of story ideas.  Set due date for ideas.

 

For next week:
1. NewsTrack assignment #7  :  Find example of an alternative mobile  storytelling app – Facebook Live, snapchat, listicle, 360 story,  animation, timelapse, interactive mapping, audio/podcast  or some combo , Think seasonal.

2. Live event story idea due

___________________________________

 

WEEK 11, Nov. 21

Thursday, Nov. 23, is Thanksgiving

1. Guest?  On gadgets, trends?

2. In class:  Use an alternative storytelling method to tell a story of Thanksgiving – from turkeys to black fridays

Let’s try a timeline! Cooking video!  Shopping chart!

3. Live coverage – review ideas

Live coverage opp using mobile and social apps  – what’s out there?  Twitter Moments!

Live coverage opp / last one:  Make a pitch by Tuesday, Nov. 28

Next week
Prep for data class.

NewsTrack on  data example  

Readings

https://jmsc.hku.hk/2012/12/journalists-in-high-demand-for-digital-data-skills/
http://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/reporting/journalism-social-media-data-tools

___________________________________

WEEK 12, Nov. 28


1. Data Stories and Metrics: Guest ??
Is it OK to use that? As we look at tools for creating mashups, multimedia, timelines, infographics and other interactives, it’s important to steer clear of copyrighted content and to give some serious thought about using controversial material. Today we’ll discuss what’s OK to use and explore tools for creating interactives for use on the web and via social media.

 

Data is at the core of many stories produced for digital platforms. How do you use it and present it online? Metrics are key as well. Finding sources of data. Tools for tracking and measuring online engagement: Omniture / Google Analytics / Facebook. Simple interactive infographics.  

 

In class:  how does Ban.jo work and how can you use it for breaking news?  

 

See Data-2 folder in class folder in Drive
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vg9PaRZPn0p4oY-wV2tBSyors4kbb667mvtOXtSsefs/edit?usp=sharing

 

3. 
     Final project:  More details ,  Sign up for personal review with Andrea.
   
   Be an innovator:  An overview of various options for presenting stories online.  
   http://paidpost.nytimes.com/milkpep/a-fresh-look.html
   http://shorthand.com/social/
   
   For Next Week:

 

• Finish your live event assignment by Monday, Dec. 4.

• Prepare for quiz 2

 

___________________________________

WEEK 13,  Dec. 5

1. Quiz 2 – Based on assigned readings, lecture material to date. Graded

2.  GADGETS and TRENDS  — let’s play. GUEST?

3. FINAL PROJECT: Questions?  Look ahead to final class and guest speaker.

4.  BLOGS:  Polish them up!

For next week:
– Work on final project commentary.
– #7  Final NewsTrack post, summarizing your findings/suggestions for improvement succinctly. Use LISTICLE approach (bullet points)

___________________________________

WEEK 14, Dec. 12 – LAST CLASS and last day of fall  classes

Hannukah begins at sundown

FINAL PROJECT DUE FRIDAY DEC. 15  9 PM

NO FINAL EXAM

BU study period begins Dec. 13
BU exams begin Dec. 16
BU exams end Dec. 21

DUE Dec. 12 –
#7  Final NewsTrack post – Summarize highlights of your findings

– In class: End of semester assessments, evaluations

– Roundup: Ethics in a digital age

Verification tools and resources –
How to apply in middle of breaking news – examples — annotation, crowdsourcing
The state of fake news — our last look together

Open Lab

You will have class time to work on your final project. Do not skip this class. This is your chance to get help, get questions answered and ensure that you’re going in the right direction.

– Final in-class story – Tentative: LISTICLE on our last look at state of fake news


RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS




RESOURCES TO TAKE WITH YOU

Send off to The FUTURE: Digital Footprint
When it comes time to find a job, employers will expect you to have an online portfolio, a track record on social media and more. Are you prepared?

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/education/edlife/job-hunting-in-the-digital-age.html

http://www.frontlineclub.com/club/workshops/
https://www.journalism.co.uk/skills/how-to-get-the-digital-edge-for-your-first-journalism-job/s7/a556599/

 

Related reading:
Create a top-notch journalist portfolio website.
5 Things Your Online Journalism Portfolio Should Include

Resources for Creating an Online Presence