The common idea that stood out for me during Tuesdays sessions was 'convergence'. Modern journalists, or wannabe journalist, are going to need a host of technical skills to compete and succeed. It's exciting, and I try to keep up, but while I try to teach students technical skills, I need to continually remind myself where the real focus of my 'journalism' class should be.
In 198? my 7th grade class spent a period a day in our small school's computer lab learning the very latest thing - programming in dos. We had to make a circle bounce on the screen by the end of the year. I remember a great deal of C: stuff that to this day doesn't make sense to me. In high school, during the early 1990's I took a class in Word Perfect (all I remember today is the many F keys and many functions of F9) that was designed to prepare me for my future working world.
With this in mind, I really appreciated both of our speakers pointing out that 'journalism' remains relevant no matter what the future holds technologically. Skills like story telling, interviewing, separating fact from fiction are not going out of style. In fact, they are becoming increasing relevant in this information age. They are transferable skills that will serve our students as they move on through life.
Thanks again. I needed that reminder and I need to keep that focus as I make plans and curriculum choices for next year, and beyond.
Bridget Parker
Seton-La Salle High School
Pittsburgh, PA
I agree Bridget. Its also a little intimidating, however, when you think about everything WE need to be experts in in order to teach our students. Luckily, they are already fluent in much of today's new literacies. I think I might just need to take a step back and learn from them. =)
ReplyDeleteAmelia Wright
West Morris Central
Chester, NJ