Do over .... (Due: Aril 7)

This is your chance to retool one of the stories you've done.

Repackage ... repurpose ... scrap it and start over.

Impress the judges (yes, there may be some professionals helping judge these) with what you've learned and show improvement over your last effort on the same topic.

** late assignments will be downgraded **

Multi-platform story (Due March 31)

This assignment is designed to test your ability to tell the same story in varied formats:

-- one form will be written (AP style)

-- on form can be video or audio

Each story must:

--  have a min. of three sources

-- include original reporting (no repurposed content allowed in this one)

**late assignments will be downgraded**

HOW TO .... (due March 17)

A 10-step multi-media instructional report. This can include photos, videos, text, graphics, audio, etc. and should be related to your topic/subject area.

(I suggest you think about integrating various forms of media into your report)

** Late assignments will be downgraded**

fyi

This story from the NY Times ties to today's class discussion.

Q and A (DUE: Tuesday, Feb. 24 @9:30 a.m.)

You will produce a "Q&A" (question and answer) with an interview subject on a topic that relates to your blog theme.

The types of media used are up to you. (you must use at least 2)

Additional credit will be given for thorough questioning, creativity in use of media and the use of multiple forms of media.

Late assignments will be dropped one letter grade for each day the assignment is late.

Please read ...

Here is a great example of impact reporting from Boston.com

If you were asked to add more to this, what would you suggest?

Random bits ...

As mentioned in the email earlier today, some of you are doing some good stuff with your blogs. I'd encourage you to read your classmates' blogs (including my extremely valuable comments) so you can get ideas of how they presented their content and/or some story ideas.

Story Idea Assignment (Due Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009)

This is a first-come, first-serve ...

Submit (via email) your story pitch detailing:

-- sources

-- forms of media to be used

There are no other restrictions or guidelines. You can use any form you want to tell this story (text, video, audio, etc.) ... it's up to you.

Part of this is an exercise to see what you come up with.

You will be required to produce this story and post it on your blog by Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.

Any questions, please email or call.

Jon

STORIES ALREADY PICKED: (if you wanted to do one of these you'll need to pitch another story)

-- Kim is writing about the best way for students to save money on food shopping

-- Rebecca is writing about what students need to bring when studying abroad.

-- Jeanine will be writing on fighting the Freshman 15.

-- Jaimie is focusing on fitness

-- Elyse is doing her story on drinking and driving
-- Victoria is reporting on the cost of living on campus vs. the cost of living off campus
-- Joshua is reporting on watching movies on the cheap
-- Janine is reporting on college seniors facing the possibility of moving home after graduation.
-- Stef is reporting on finding lunch or dinner for under $10.
-- John is reporting on QU's parking situation.
-- Melissa is reporting on how people stay in touch with each other while in college.
(What are you going to do for your story?)

Semester blogging (ongoing)

As part of your online reporting you will also be required to blog. Since there is an ongoing debate concerning the differences between online journalism and blogging, we're going to get a taste of both.

Your story assignments will be just that, news stories/packages that are objective.

Your weekly blogging will be just that, your opportunity to add a little to it.

Every posting you make should be more than plain text. Whether you're adding photos, linking to related topics and/or reports (or previous entries), you need to deliver more to your users/readers than just words. Remember, it's multimedia.

WEEKLY BLOGGING: You will be expected to post three entries per week to your blog. 

Get familiar with your blog (Due Friday, Feb. 6)

First, for those of you have not completed your blog profile, you're already a week late setting up your blog.

Your assignment:

-- create a blogroll/bloglist

-- follow the class blog

-- add functionality to your blog including, but not limited to, polls, RSS feeds from other media sources, a photo feed and a video feed. (Those who add more will obviously benefit)